Lexi Tompson of the U.S in action during day three of the Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club in Woburn, England, Saturday, July 30, 2016.
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WOBURN, England (AP) – Ariya Jutanugarn took the Women’s British Open lead Saturday at tree-lined Woburn, almost four months after blowing a late lead in the first major championship of the year.
“I think I know how to play under pressure”, the 20-year-old Thai player said. “I learnt at the ANA how to play under pressure and just focus on what I can control”.
That moved Lee to 11 under par overall, a score good enough for the outright lead at the halfway stage, but China’s Shanshan Feng and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn are breathing down her neck. I gave myself a lot of chances and holed my fair share of them. Jutanugarn won three consecutive events in May.
Three-time Tour victor Jutanugarn is two strokes ahead of South Korea’s Mirim Lee at 14 under. “I didn’t hit my irons well but I still made birdies”.
World number one Lydia Ko also managed half a dozen gains as she got to three under, five of her birdies coming in the space of six holes.
Lee shot a 69.
However, she bounced back by winning three times in four weeks on the LPGA Tour in May and has now given herself a great chance to claim Open glory.
Scotland’s Catrion Matthew is all alone in fourth after going round in 71 to reach 10-under and Irish amateur Leona Maguire is 10th at seven-under after a fine round of 68. She played alongside Jutanugarn. “I didn’t hole as many putts later in the round and I’ll have to hole everything tomorrow to keep up with her”.
The top-ranked Ko was tied for 27th at 3 under after a 69. She added another on the 15th, but bogeys at the 13th and 17th holes dropped her back.
“It’s just nice that I’m finally playing well”. “Sugar helps”, the ever phlegmatic 19-year-old Kiwi said. “I only know what I am doing”. “I’ve just got to get over it”.
She is a shot clear of the 2013 champ Stacy Lewis (70) of America, who is fifth at nine-under-par.
“I hit a really wayward tee shot”, said Ko after losing her ball at the 18th. “Just a few too many mistakes”.
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Matthew’s Olympic team-mate Charley Hull was left disappointed on her home course, as she carded a 75 to fall out of contention.
