Miyu Yamashita takes slim lead into final round of the Women’s British Open

Porthcawl – Miyu Yamashita of Japan maintained her lead through three rounds of the Women’s British Open, despite stumbling to a two-over 74 on Aug 2 at Royal Porthcawl, Wales.

After holding a three-shot lead through the midway point of the tournament, Yamashita was at nine-under 207 through three rounds as her advantage was narrowed to a single shot heading into the final round on Aug 3, which ended after press time.

“I think one of the main things is not missing in the wrong spots,” said Yamashita, whose best finish in a Major was a tie for second at the 2024 Women’s PGA Championship.

“Because I’m able to do that, that means I don’t put myself in awkward positions and helps me not make those bogeys which can cost you so much at these championships.”

South Korea’s Kim A-lim moved into second place at eight under after a 67 in the third round, following a nine-hole stretch where she compiled four birdies.

American Andrea Lee also shot a 67 and was alone in third place at seven under.

“So honestly I’m not focused on the leader,” Kim said.

“I focus on my process and my shot and then my position. That’s all.”

A group of four tied for fourth place at six under included Japan’s Minami Katsu and Rio Takeda, England’s Charley Hull and American Megan Khang.

Yamashita breezed to a 65 in the second round to go top but struggled to find that form on Aug 2.

She was one over on the front nine with a bogey and eight pars. She was one over again on an eventful back nine that included three bogeys and two birdies.

Yamashita was even par for the round through 13 holes until she recorded a pair of bogey fives at No. 14 and 16.

“I’ll be just looking at what went wrong and what went right and analysing the day and make the improvements that hopefully will lead to a better round (on Aug 3),” she said.

Yamashita and Takeda, who was alone in second place through two rounds, were the only members of the top 10 on the leaderboard to shoot over par on Aug 2. Takeda, who was Yamashita’s playing partner, also was two over.

Katsu had the low round of the day at 65 to put herself into contention by moving up 31 spots on the leaderboard. She got off to a slow start with a pair of bogeys on the first three holes before going on a red-hot run.

Starting with a birdie three at No. 4, Katsu was nine under over her final 15 holes in a stretch that included an eagle three at No. 6.

“Made two bogeys on the first three holes, but after that I was really focused on my swing,” Katsu said. “I just had a really good image of my swing and I kept that going, and here I am.”

World No. 1 Nelly Korda stumbled to a 74 to leave her at even par overall and tied for 36th place, along with defending champion Lydia Ko (70).

England’s Lottie Woad, who won the Women’s Scottish Open on her professional debut, shot a 71 and is at three-under 213 to sit in a seven-way tie for 11th place.

Singapore’s Shannon Tan, who was joint-67th after a third-round 78, completed her final round on Aug 3 with a 70 for a five-over 293 overall. The 21-year-old racked up five birdies, which were offset by three bogeys. REUTERS