Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul stole the show on Saturday, blasting her way to a dazzling 7-under 65 to retake the lead of the entire tournament. His final round included nine birdies, a demonstration of his precision and talent even while playing in brutal conditions that included 35 mph winds. Thitikul made a tough double bogey at the turn. Even after this miscue, he was still cool under pressure, taking a one-shot advantage into the final round against Celine Boutier.
Thitikul, who led the tournament after an opening 64, showed extreme grit all day. The wind made everyone change their strategy and plans out there, but Thitikul was able to play smartly around the golf course.
“The strategies for today, I’m just trying to keep it on the fairway and then on the green. I know it’s going to be a really tough day and then I have to be patient out there. So I don’t know how I did that, but like I’ll take it.” – Jeeno Thitikul
Celine Boutier was otherworldly, too, a third-round 66 following up her Friday 64. She drained a beautiful 40-foot birdie putt across a ridge on the 15th hole. A quick run of three consecutive birdies put her right back in striking distance of Thitikul. Boutier said she felt optimistic about her chances for the last round, as the weather should start to clear up.
“It’s supposed to be a bit less windy. I’m assuming the scores are going to be kind of low, too,” – Celine Boutier
Nelly Korda punctuated her round with an eagle on the 18th hole and signed for a 66. In more tight competition, Korda is only one shot back of Boutier, putting her in contention as the tournament heads into the weekend. She reiterated how crucial focus is, especially when they’re playing in such difficult conditions.
“You just have to dial in to small targets and you have to be focused 100 percent on each shot,” – Nelly Korda
Andrea Lee didn’t let up, either, keeping up her solid play with her third-straight 68, finishing tied with Korda at 12-under 204. With only one match left to go, the two players could hardly be in better positions as they head into the final round.
It was Yealimi Noh who really stole the show, shining brightly with a career-best performance. She chipped in for eagle on the 16th hole and capped her round with a sizzling 67. She’s three shots back of Thitikul now. The competition is intense as finalists prepare for their showdown.
As the tournament moves into its last few days, Thitikul has quite the comfortable margin. On the other hand, the fierce rivalry among Boutier, Korda, and Lee promises a thrilling finish! The players will need to remain focused and adaptable as they face whatever challenges lie ahead on the course.
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