As the Women’s Open championship heads into its thrilling final round, England’s Charley Hull has significantly closed the gap on leader Miyu Yamashita, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion at Royal Porthcawl. Hull’s exceptional six-under-par 66 on Saturday propelled her within three shots of the Japanese sensation, igniting hopes for her first major victory in this prestigious Golf Major.
Miyu Yamashita, who had enjoyed a comfortable three-shot advantage at the halfway mark, experienced a challenging third round, posting a two-over 74. This less-than-stellar performance saw her once robust lead dwindle to a mere single stroke by the close of play, intensifying the pressure for Sunday’s showdown in this pivotal Sports News event.
Yamashita, celebrating her 24th birthday, initially held a commanding lead over Rio Takeda and a significant seven-shot cushion over the chasing pack. While many contenders exerted considerable effort to gain ground before the final group teed off, their valiant efforts might have been in vain had the leaders replicated their earlier low scores.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically as the final duo managed only one birdie across their initial ten holes. Yamashita’s lead was further eroded when a bogey on the 10th hole reduced her advantage to a solitary stroke, showcasing the relentless challenge of the Royal Porthcawl course.
Despite moments of struggle, Yamashita demonstrated resilience, carding consecutive birdies on the 11th and 12th holes to briefly restore a cushion. Yet, she dropped two more shots on her way to the clubhouse, and it took an extraordinary long-range putt on the 17th to save par, ensuring she maintained a solo lead heading into the decisive final round of the Women’s Open.
For Charley Hull, this Women’s Open represents another significant opportunity to claim a major title, having experienced several near-misses in past championships. Her determined approach and exceptional ball-striking throughout the week at Royal Porthcawl underscore her readiness to compete for one of Golf’s biggest prizes.
Hull’s third round began with a blistering pace, reaching seven under through 13 holes, a testament to her aggressive and precise play. Despite a solitary bogey on the 14th, she maintained her composure, finishing with four pars to complete a brilliant round of 66, marking her joint-lowest score ever at a Women’s Open championship.
Other notable performances included Georgia Hall, the 2018 Women’s Open champion, who also made a rapid ascent up the leaderboard. Young talents Lottie Woad and Mimi Rhodes posted impressive rounds of 71 and 70 respectively, keeping them firmly in contention just outside the top ten, adding further excitement to the event. The stage is now perfectly set for a captivating conclusion, where nerves, skill, and strategic play will determine the ultimate champion.
