Olympic champion Lydia Ko surged to the top of the leaderboard after a stellar four-under-par 68 in the third round of the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. The New Zealander now holds a one-shot lead over England’s Charley Hull with a three-day total of 10-under-par 206 at Sentosa Golf Club.
Ko, making her 11th appearance at the prestigious tournament, is determined to finally claim victory after finishing second in 2015.
“I’m excited to be in the final group tomorrow. I’ve been in the final group a couple of times at this event before, but I haven’t necessarily taken it over the finish line,” said the world number three. “I hope tomorrow is the day to do it.”
Hull, battling flu symptoms, put on a determined performance with a bogey-free 68, keeping herself within striking distance of Ko. The Englishwoman remains focused on the final round despite feeling under the weather.
“I woke up this morning and threw up. It was just a little bit of a bug, but I’m fine,” Hull said. “I like playing with Lydia. She’s a really nice person and so down to earth. I want to go out there, play golf, hole some putts, and have fun.”
Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul made a remarkable climb up the leaderboard, carding the lowest round of the day with a sizzling 66. The 22-year-old, who had a slow start with rounds of 71 and 72, fired seven birdies to move into third place, just three shots behind Ko.
“I did not want to think too much about the first two rounds. I was just trying to keep my ball in the fairway and give myself birdie chances,” Thitikul said.
South Korea’s Kim A-lim, who led after the halfway mark, struggled in the third round, posting a disappointing 73 that dropped her into a tie for fourth place.
With 18 holes remaining, Ko, Hull, and Thitikul are set for an exciting final-round battle in Singapore. All eyes will be on Ko to see if she can finally lift the trophy, but Hull and Thitikul will be ready to challenge for the title.
