Amazing Tseng in front again

Taiwan’s amazing World No 1 Yani Tseng is on track to win a sensational 12th title this year.

Taiwan’s amazing World No 1 Yani Tseng is on track to win a sensational 12th title this year.

Still only 22 but already the owner of five majors, she will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open in China on Sunday after posting a seven-birdie, one bogey, 6-under par 66 in misty, damp conditions at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club near Shanghai

Pernilla Lindberg bettered Tseng’s round, the Swede birdying four of the last five holes to shoot a scorching 65 that tied the course record set in 2008 by Annika Sorenstam and Ye Li Ying to move into second place in this European Ladies Tour-sanctioned event in China.

But stopping Tseng won’t be easy. And she knows it.

Caroline Headwall shot 69 to end one shot further back, along with first-round leader Becky Brewerton (71) of Wales , Giulia Sergas (70) of Italy, Beth Allen (68) of the USA, South Africa’s defending champion, Lee-Anne Pace (70) and Scot Kylie Walker (70) who were all at six under overall.

Tseng trailed Brewerton by a shot overnight but went to the turn in 34 to grab a six-way share of the lead. She pulled a stroke clear at the 11th and, shadowed by a large and vociferous supporting gallery, moved further ahead with birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th holes.

“Today we got really lucky because it was raining all morning, so lucky me to play in the afternoon,” Tseng told the media after her round.

“I played really good today. I was disappointed on the last hole as I didn’t make birdie. I also missed a two-footer putt today, on number two, but I mean, otherwise everything was really good and I’m very happy now.”

Tseng has notched 10 victories including two major championships in her fourth year on tour and is highly favoured to win again this week, but didn’t want to get ahead of herself.

“It’s going to be like today. I’m going to work out tomorrow morning, stretch a little bit and get ready for the tournament. I’m in a very good position and I think I’ve just got to enjoy it.

“There will be a big crowd tomorrow like today and I will enjoy it, be patient, play one shot at a time and see what happens,” she said.

Lindberg, in her second year on tour, will be playing for her first victory as a professional after carding seven birdies in her second round.

“It’s always hard to repeat a round like that. Of course I feel good about my game and a lot better about my putting. My confidence is high going into tomorrow so I’ll see what I can do,” Lindberg said.

She has been paired with Tseng and fellow Swede Headwall for the final round, starting at 11.10am local time and added: “Every time you play with a great player, it’s a great experience and you learn to handle it better: I’m looking forward to it.”

TOP 10 LEADERBOARD
(par 72)

134 Yani Tseng (Tpe) 68 66

137 Pernilla Lindberg (Swe) 72 65

138 Caroline Hedwall (Swe) 69 69, Becky Brewerton (Wal) 67 71, Giulia Sergas (Ita) 68 70, Beth Allen (USA) 70 68, Lee-Anne Pace (RSA) 68 70, Kylie Walker (Sco) 68 70

139 – Thidapa Suwannapura (Tha) 72 67, Vikki Laing (Sco) 70 69, Ursula Wikstrom (Fin) 72 67

Latest