Lead

Ryu Hae-ran's bid for a third consecutive LPGA major title hit a setback in the third round of the AIG Women's Open on Saturday, as the world No. 3 fell from the lead to a five-way tie for second. Ryu shot a three-over 74 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club, dropping to four-under 209, three shots behind Korean American Yealimi Noh, who leads at seven-under 206 after posting a 69.

Ryu, who had been in sole possession of the lead through 36 holes, is trying to become the first LPGA player since Park In-bee in 2013 to win three consecutive majors in one season. She has already captured the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in June and the Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap News' English service reported on Ryu's opening round on Thursday, her second-round lead on Friday, and her third-round stumble on Saturday. The reports chronicle Ryu's progress from a five-under 66 in the first round, which left her tied for second, to a two-under 69 in the second round that gave her a two-shot lead at seven-under 135.

The third-round report describes a round that began promisingly, with birdies at the third and fourth holes giving Ryu a four-shot lead at one point. However, five bogeys over the next eight holes, many the result of bunker trouble, erased that advantage.

Key Claims

  • Ryu Hae-ran shot a five-under 66 in the opening round of the AIG Women's Open, with six birdies and one bogey, tying her for second with Shiho Kuwaki of Japan.
  • In the second round, Ryu carded a two-under 69, featuring five birdies, a bogey, and a double bogey, to move into sole possession of the lead at seven-under 135.
  • The third round saw Ryu shoot a three-over 74, dropping her from first to a five-way tie for second at four-under 209.
  • Ryu is attempting to become just the fifth LPGA player to win three majors in one season, joining Park In-bee (2013), Pat Bradley (1986), Mickey Wright (1961), and Babe Zaharias (1950).
  • The last player to win three LPGA majors in a row was Park In-bee in 2013.

Perspectives

Ryu Hae-ran: After the third round, Ryu acknowledged the difficulty of the day but maintained a measured perspective, saying, "Just a tough day today. I already know I have won (two majors) so it is not too stressful." She noted that she previously put more pressure on herself after poor rounds at majors, but her recent success has allowed her to stay calm. She also expressed satisfaction with limiting damage on holes where worse outcomes were possible.

On her opening round: Ryu described the course as challenging, particularly its bunkers, and said, "Honestly, this was a really difficult round. With so many bunkers on this course, I didn't hit my drive that much, but I still ended up in three bunkers. I made just one bogey, and so it was a good day in that sense."