AP
CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — Nanna Koerstz Madsen birded her final two holes to take a one-shot lead after three rounds of LPGA Thailand on Saturday.
The Dane’s clean-shooting 6-under 66 in 55th gave her a 21-under 195 total over 54 holes in wet conditions after lightning and rain interrupted afternoon play at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course for 90 minutes.
“I didn’t make many mistakes. I hit a lot of greens,” said 27-year-old Madsen. “I’d like to make a few more putts, but overall I’m happy with the round.”
China’s Lin Xiyu (66) and France’s Celine Boutier (67) are just one shot behind.
Madsen is looking for two top five finishes in 2021 after her first LPGA title – she placed third at the ANA Inspiration and had a share of fifth place at the Women’s British Open. Her best result at the LPGA was second place at the 2019 Indy Women in Tech Championship.
“I don’t think I was in the lead before. I have to be patient and make a lot of birdies,” she said. “It will be great if I win my first LPGA title. That’s what I play for.”
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22nd-ranked Boutier with six birdies against a bogey is aiming for her third LPGA title after wins at the 2019 VIC Open in Australia and the 2021 Shoplite LPGA Classic in New Jersey.
“My parents and my sister are here this week. They don’t get a lot of opportunities to see me play,” said Boutier, who is of Thai descent. “It is very nice that they support me and pray for birdies. I hope to hit the fairways more in the final. It will help me play more aggressively on the approach shots.”
45th-ranked Lin, after securing just one birdie at the top, reeled off four consecutive birdies from holes 12-15 before adding another on the 18th for her second 66 in a row.
“Many players will attack on the last day. As for me, I have to hit some fairways and if there’s a chance I have to try,” said Lin, who is also looking for her first win.
Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (64), Canada’s Brooke Henderson (66) and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka (70) are three shots from the lead.
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