Minjee Lee of Australia and her caddie Michael Paterson. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Australia’s Hannah Green and Minjee Lee enter the final round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship tied at 11-under-par, setting up a potential duel on the Tanjong Course.
Green’s four-under 68 and Lee’s three-under 69 delivered identical three-day totals of 10-under-par-205, narrowly separating them from the chasing pair of American Angel Yin and South Korea’s Haeran Ryu, who sit at 10-under-par heading into the final round.
Hannah was in a similar position two years ago when she won the tournament and is now managing her expectations. She explained, “It was tough out there. I’m not surprised by the scoring. I felt like I played really well today, said Green.”
“I don’t typically hit a lot of fairways, but I hit a lot of greens here, and I think that always helps around this golf course. Having a lot of familiar faces amongst the crowd is really nice, and having my husband, Jarryd, by my side as well, it’s been a lot of fun.”
When asked about her preparation for Sunday, she added, “I didn’t hit many fairways, even though I felt pretty confident with the driver. So, probably just going to hit a few on the range, maybe do a little bit of putting, because tomorrow is probably going to be tough. I’m sure they are going to set up the course so we don’t shoot really low scores. So just do a little bit of practice, go back and relax, see my physio.”
On playing a final round alongside compatriot Minjee Lee, Green noted, “I don’t think we’ve played a final round together, maybe a tournament. The Australians are probably loving it because they don’t have to focus on two different groups.”
Lee, reflecting on the course, said, “I felt like it was playing a little trickier today; maybe the pin placements were a little tougher. I know a few of the tees were up, but it just felt like they were a little harder than the last two days.”
On sharing the top of the leaderboard with fellow Australian Hannah Green, Lee added, “I don’t actually feel like we’ve played that much over the years together. We played a few practice rounds, or a few rounds back at home in the off-season, but yeah, I think it will be a fun challenge tomorrow. I’m sure we’ll have a good time anyway.”
As she looks ahead to Sunday’s final round, Lee said she plans to keep her preparation simple. “Just maybe have a good sleep. Have some good food while I’m here in Singapore. I’m not sure how much practice I’ll do because I’m melting away right now. But yeah, just have a nice afternoon, maybe get some treatment, and try to be right for tomorrow.”
Angel Yin of the United States and her caddie Jesus Mozo. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
American Angel Yin had another solid run, posting a four-under 68 for the day. She is tied for third position with South Korea’s Haeran Ryu on 206.
“You need good golf and a bit of luck. Honestly, there’s not much you can do about it,” added Yin. “Sometimes, they go hand in hand.”
Ryu, meanwhile, remains confident of mounting a late charge as she chases her fourth LPGA title.
“I’m just one shot behind. Trailing, rather than leading, actually gives me a stronger mindset,” said Ryu.
Haeran Ryu of South Korea. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn is sitting in solo fifth position after a one-under 71 third round for 9-under-par 207. First and second round leader Auston Kim, who started the day on 9 -under, had a tough day at the office, carding a one-over 73 for 8-under-par 208, tied for sixth place with Linn Grant of Sweden.
