BELMONT, Mich. – Jing Yan carded a 4-under 68 on Saturday to keep a one-stroke advantage at the blustery Meijer LPGA Classic, the last tournament before next week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine.
Yan closed with a birdie on the par-5 18th, completing her second consecutive bogey-free round at Blythefield Country Club. The 30-year-old American, still seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, stood at 14-under 202.
“I just tried to enjoy it,” Yan said. “I knew I was going to be a little bit nervous not having really been in this position before, but I have been kind of in the later tee times and there have been times where I haven’t handled it very well. So, just trying to figure out what really works for me.”
England’s Lottie Woad sat alone in second place after matching Yan’s 68, also finishing her round with a birdie at the 18th.
“I think just trying to get off to a good start,” Woad said of her approach to the final round. “Try and get back ahead and push early and just keep putting the pressure on is what we’re going to try to do.”
Australia’s Cassie Porter remained firmly in contention, sitting two shots off the lead after shooting a 69.
“The back nine the greens started to firm up,” Porter said.
In Gee Chun surged into the mix with a 65 to reach 10 under. Wei-Ling Hsu, who shot 68, and first-round leader Yan Liu, who posted a 70, were also at 10 under.
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AP golf:
