Two-time former winner Jiyai Shin leads the Women’s Open after a five-under-par third round on Saturday took the South Korean to seven under for the tournament.
Shin holds a one-shot advantage over defending champion Lilia Vu heading into Sunday’s finale with world No 1 Nelly Korda two back after a difficult day battling the wind and rain in St Andrews.
Champion in 2008 and 2012, Shin said she had put all her experience to good use to handle the tricky conditions and put herself in pole position for a third Major.
“This is my third time at St Andrews. That’s how much I’ve played it, for so long,” said Shin.
“I have a lot of experience with links courses – not with this tough wind, but pretty much I have a lot of good experience.
“That’s why it took all my skill today. The wind was nice to me today, and I made two bogeys today but I think everyone can make one or two bogeys.”
Korda was the overnight leader and was one under for the day through 11 holes.
But her bid for a second Major this year unravelled when she dropped five shots in six holes on the back nine, before picking up a much-needed birdie at the last.
“Obviously with the double on 16 and bogey on 17, you want to finish on a good note,” said Korda.
“I think it’s going to be a tough day. I think the winds are going to be high. There could be rain, as well.
“I’m going to keep a positive attitude. Take it one shot at a time. I played really well the first two days, so I’m going to take that momentum into tomorrow.”
Vu also recovered from a wobble with a double-bogey at the 13th to bounce back with three birdies in the last five holes to move into second.
“The wheels were falling off in the middle of it. I was getting anxious but my caddie was able to give me words of encouragement that I’m playing well,” said Vu.
Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko is also in the mix at four under, alongside South Korea’s Jenny Shin.
Casandra Alexander is the best-placed South African on two under (T10), followed by Ashleigh Buhai (three over), Lee-Ann Pace (four over) and Paula Reto (six over).
Photo: Luke Walker/Getty Images
