Inkster maintains lead
American Juli Inkster bolted home a 30-foot birdie putt on the first green to keep daylight between herself and the rest of the field in today’s third round of the Weetabix Women’s British Open today at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
The 46-year-old, who is aiming to become the oldest winner of a women’s major, did drop a shot at the short fifth, but was still three ahead of a group that included world number one Annika Sorenstam, France’s Gwladys Nocera, Mexican Lorena Ochoa and American Cristie Kerr.
Ochoa and Kerr made the biggest moves of the day – both posting six birdies.
Kent’s Karen Stupples, four behind overnight, dropped a shot after hitting her approach into a pot bunker at the fourth but hit back with a birdie at the next to stand four behind on two under.
Sorenstam, the champion at Lytham three years ago, made her move with back-to-back birdies at the eight and ninth in an outward 33.
Laura Davies remained on the fringe of contention by reaching the turn in level par 35 – she was seven behind Inkster.
Sixteen-year-old Michelle Wie, who was penalised two shots for touching a loose impediment in a bunker on her backswing in round two, was out early and shot 72. On four over par, her chances of becoming the youngest winner on the Tour had surely gone.
If Inkster wins tomorrow she will join Australia’s Karrie Webb as the only player to complete a Super Grand Slam – all five majors available in their career.
This championship replaced the du Maurier Classic five years ago and the other three are the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the LPGA Championship and US Women’s Open.
Inkster has won seven majors – the last was a second US Women’s Open in 2002. In her 23-year career, the Californian has won 31 LPGA titles, including this year’s Safeway International in March.
