MISSISSAUGA, Canada – Overnight leader Akie Iwai of Japan dropped three shots off the pace at the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada after carding a 1-over-par 72 in Saturday’s third round.
The 23-year-old rookie, fresh off her first U.S. LPGA Tour victory last week, is tied for third with Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul at 8 under for the tournament, with local favorite Brooke Henderson and Australia’s Minjee Lee jointly leading at 11 under.
After starting the day with a three-shot lead, Iwai bogeyed her first three holes at Mississauga Golf and Country Club and finished the round with four bogeys against three birdies.
“I struggled to hit the green at first, but I was happy to get a birdie on the 13th hole,” Iwai said. “I’m in a good position on the final day, so I’ll keep trying my best and not give up.”
Mao Saigo, winner of the year’s first major at the Chevron Championship in April, is the next best of the Japanese contingent and will start Sunday’s final round tied for seventh at 6 under.
AloJapan.com