Shin Ji-yai takes slender lead at British Open after Nelly Korda self-destructs in third round
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South Korea's Shin Ji-yai plays from the 17th fairway on day three of the Women's British Open.
PHOTO: AFP
ST ANDREWS – Two-time former winner Shin Ji-yai led the Women’s British Open after a five-under 67 third round on Aug 24 took the South Korean to seven-under 209 for the tournament.
She held a one-shot advantage over title holder Lilia Vu heading into the finale on Aug 25, with world No. 1 Nelly Korda two strokes back after a difficult day battling the wind and rain at 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 and the opportunity to win a cheque for US$1.425 million (S$1.85 million) – the highest amount ever.
“This is my third time at St Andrews. That’s how much I’ve played it, for so long,” said the 36-year-old, who is nicknamed the “Final Round Queen”.
“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, but everyone can make one or two bogeys. So this is nothing, I just keep focusing forward.”
Korda was the overnight leader and was one under for the day through 11 holes. However, her bid for a second Major in 2024 unravelled when she dropped five shots in six holes on the back nine, before picking up a much-needed birdie at the last for a three-over 75.
“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 with a one-under 71.
“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,” she said.
Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko (71) was also in the mix at four-under 212, alongside South Korea’s Jenny Shin (70).
Shannon Tan, only the second Singaporean to make the cut at a Major, had two birdies and five bogeys in her final-round 75 to end at seven-over 295. AFP
