Henderson falters late but leads Evian

Brooke Henderson stood over a birdie putt from three feet at the 18th green, a three-shot lead going into the final round of the Evian Championship seemingly in her grasp.

For the first time on Saturday — maybe all week, given her dominance of the fourth women’s major of the year — her putting stroke let her down.

Henderson missed it left, to gasps from spectators around the green at Evian Resort Golf Club. The Canadian couldn’t believe it. Probably those hoping to chase her down on Sunday too.

Seeking her second major title after the Women’s PGA Championship in 2016, Henderson had to settle for a three-under 68 and a twoshot lead at 17 under par — two off the 54-hole record for the tournament.

She is still in a position of strength after opening with two straight 64s, but that missed putt at No. 18 might prove costly.

The closest challengers to Henderson are a former No. 1 and a player breaking new personal ground at a major.

So Yeon Ryu, a two-time major winner from South Korea, shot 65 after three birdies on her last four holes and was alone in second place. The top-ranked player in 2017, when she won the then-ANA Inspiration for her second major, she hasn’t been in contention this deep into one of women’s golf’s biggest five tournaments for three years.

Two more strokes back at 13 under was Sophia Schubert, ranked No. 283 and without a top-50 finish in a major.

Piercy four shots up at delayed 3M Open

Scott Piercy shot a fiveunder 66 at rain-soaked TPC Twin Cities in a round that was delayed more than 61⁄2 hours to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the 3M Open.

Playing through a painful blister on his right heel, the 43-year-old Piercy had an 18under 195 total.

“I’ve had my struggles and to ... prove and show that I can still do it and can do it is a big confidence boost,” Piercy said.

Emiliano Grillo was second after a 67. Tony Finau and Doug Ghim were tied for third, five strokes back.

Elsewhere

Darren Clarke’s bid for a first senior major title wobbled as he lost his overnight, two-shot lead at the Senior British Open and Paul Broadhurst pulled level at nine under overall after the third round. Clarke needed a birdie on the last hole to catch Broadhurst, who posted a four-under 66 to Clarke’s 69 at Gleneagles . ... Karrie Webb shot a six-under 66 in windy and hot conditions in Salina, Kan., to take a two-stroke lead over playing partner Annika Sorenstam in the Senior LPGA Championship. Sorenstam had a 68.