Hull, Lilia Vu share third-round lead at Women’s British Open

LONDON – Charley Hull seized a share of the lead with a four-under 68, but the home favourite said she was not feeling any pressure heading into the final round of the Women’s British Open at Walton Heath in Surrey on Saturday.

The 27-year-old finished on nine-under 207 and level with American Lilia Vu, who is aiming for a second Major of the season following her Chevron Championship triumph after carding a 67.

England’s Hull is still chasing a first Major title after several near misses in her career.

Hull is staying at home this week – she lives less than half an hour from Walton Heath and has played there many times with male friends from the furthest back tees. With the benefit of local knowledge and huge support from the gallery, she packed in six birdies, including three in a row from the 15th.

“I’m super excited about tomorrow. I’m not really feeling any pressure because I’m staying at home and I have played the course so often with my mates,” said Hull, who shot a 66 in the final round and finished joint-second at the US Women’s Open in July.

“I played very solid today and the three birdies in a row from the 15th were great. I then got up and down for par at 18 which was vital.”

Her strong finish raised hopes of a first home winner since Georgia Hall’s victory in 2018. “It (winning) would be absolutely unbelievable. What Georgia did in 2017, or 2018, I can’t remember what it was, that was unbelievable. To do that again would be unreal. But one step at a time and just go out there and have fun,” Hull said.

Vu, who had seven birdies, said: “This is the first time since winning Chevron I’ve felt comfortable with my game. It has given me a lot of confidence. It’s great to go into tomorrow with a chance to win.”

Ally Ewing, who held a five-shot lead overnight, slumped to a 75 but is still in touch on seven under. Angel Yin (67) and Kim Hyo-joo (68) are tied for third place on 208.

Yin, 24, has come close in a couple of Majors. She lost to compatriot Vu in a play-off at the Chevron Championship and tied for second at the 2019 US Women’s Open.

She burst on to the scene as a teenager, earning a place in the US Solheim Cup team in 2017 and winning in Dubai in the same year. That was her last victory.

“Tomorrow, I just have to stay patient. But the fans are going to see a lot of aggressive golf in the final round. It’s going to be fun,” she said.

Shin Ji-yai, winner in 2008 and 2012, raised hopes of a third victory with a 69 for five under. Shin, 35, gave up life on the LPGA Tour to play mostly in Japan and her native South Korea. However, she made a comeback in 2023 and tied for second with Hull in July’s US Women’s Open.

“I decided to come back to the Majors to show my grandma that I could still play here and in the US. Unfortunately, she recently passed away but I still have to show her and she’s definitely still seeing me,” she explained.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda made a move with a 69 to reach four under and it could have been even better but for three-putt bogeys at the 13th, 14th and 18th holes.

“At the beginning of the day, I would have taken three under. I hit the ball great, but my putting let me down. Still, it’s always good to move up on moving day,” reflected the American.

Frenchwoman Celine Boutier, aiming for a third consecutive win following her triumphs at the Women’s Scottish Open and Evian Championship, finished at two over after a 74. AFP, REUTERS