Momoko Ueda shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to maintain a one-shot lead entering the final round of the Toto Japan Classic in Shiga, Japan.
A two-time winner of the tournament, Ueda is 14 under through three rounds at Seta Golf Club. A shot back is Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh at -13 after posting a 65, mixing eight birdies with one bogey.
Despite being in position for a wire-to-wire victory, Ueda was somewhat disappointed with her Saturday round.
“My shots weren’t as good as yesterday. I missed a short putt and it didn’t play well today,” she said. “Then I talked to my caddy about the game plan for the day and decided to get birdies as much as possible on the par-5 holes on the back nine.”
And it worked. After two birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, Ueda delivered four birdies and a bogey on the back nine in front of the home crowd.
Miyu Yamashita of Japan (69 on Saturday) is two shots behind Ueda at 12 under, alone in third place after finishing her round with birdies on three of the last four holes.
Linn Grant of Sweden birdied five straight on Nos. 12-16 en route to a third-round 67 to move her into a tie for fourth at 10 under with four other players, including major champion Jeongeun Lee6 of South Korea.
“It was good overall. I think the first nine wasn’t where I wanted to be and kind of showed up on the back nine and made some birdies, which made it more fun,” said Grant, who is aiming for fourth. Swedish to win Toto Japan Classic. “I tend to get better the more nervous I get. Like if I get into a fight or I get a little hyped up, I tend to stick with it and do better.”
Udea said she must make a change if she is to win on Sunday.
“I’m not comfortable with the rhythm of the swing and also of the putting this week. So keeping a good rhythm would be key for tomorrow,” she said.
However, Drybaugh said she will strive for more of the same.
“I hit a lot of good shots and had a couple where I hit a foot, so always handy to do that. Putted well, so everything worked out pretty well today,” she said. “I’ll try to do the same thing I did today as tomorrow, so keep it steady and hopefully do the same thing.”
–Field Level Media
Source: sn.dk