Unheralded German Sophia Popov is on the verge of a breakthrough victory with a three-stroke lead heading into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open.
The 27-year-old, making just her second appearance in the Major, matched the lowest round of the week with a four-under-par 67 at Royal Troon in more favourable weather conditions, to move to four-under after 54 holes.
The world number 304, who only qualified for the event through the Marathon Classic just two weeks ago, highlighted her bogey-free day with a brilliant driver off the fairway for an eagle at the par-5 4th and then a glorious 30-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th. Having won three times on the development Cactus Tour in the USA this year, Popov is now seeking her first big title.
With overnight leader Dani Holmqvist struggling to a 77, Popov is three shots clear of Australian Minjee Lee and Jasmine Suwannapura from Thailand. Both Lee, the world number eight, and Suwannapura recorded impressive 69s to lead the chasing pack on one-under-par.
American duo Austin Ernst and Lindsey Weaver, helped by a miraculous chip in for par at the 12th, are two shots further back in a tie for fourth place at one-over-par, alongside another German, Caroline Masson.
New Zealander Lydia Ko, chasing her first win since 2018, recorded a double bogey at the 10th to damage her hopes and is with Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and American Kristen Gillman at two-over.
There was a notable move too from Australia’s Katherine Kirk, who stormed 30 places through the field after a four-under 67 to reach three-over. However, world number four Nelly Korda suffered at the short Postage Stamp, making a double bogey, as she fell to four-over.
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