’s Nikki Campbell will be vying for her first LET title when the final round of the Turkey Airlines Ladies Open gets underway later today.
Campbell has posted consecutive one-under-par rounds of 72 at National Golf Club in Antalya to be at two-under-par and just five shots back from Klára Spilkova from the Czech Republic. The 18-year-old holds a one stroke lead over Scotland’s Vikki Laing.
After Friday’s play was washed out, the 18-year-old from Prague followed an opening round of 69 on Thursday with a second round of three-under-par 70 in fine conditions on Saturday to sit at seven-under-par after 36 holes. Laing had a four-under 69 to end six-under, with Dane Malene Jorgensen a stroke further behind.
“I’m very happy. I played well today like I did in the first round but the front nine was a little bit up and down,” said Spilkova, a third year Ladies European Tour player who combines professional tour golf with high school studies. “The driver was not as good but I holed a few good putts so I will keep going and try my best and enjoy the day.”
Laing is also in the hunt for a maiden victory after three runner-up finishes in five years on tour. The 33-year-old from Musselburgh started with a par at the 10th but picked up five shots in four holes from the 11th, with three successive birdies followed by an eagle on the par-5 14th, where she used a 4-iron from 195 yards of the flag to strike the ball to three feet.
“I’m super happy with it. I got off to a really fast start and made a bunch of birdies at the beginning. I hit the ball well and made a few good putts,” said Laing. “I’m hitting it well and I’m rolling the ball well on the greens so it’s a good combination. I’m just trying to hit fairways and greens so I’ll have the same plan for tomorrow.”
Valentine Derrey of France was three strokes behind the leaders on four-under-par, with Finland’s Krista Bakker, England’s Charley Hull and first-round leader Heather MacRae of Scotland a stroke further behind in a share of fifth.
Despite a two hour delay early on Saturday morning due to electrical storms in the area, the second round was completed before darkness fell on Saturday evening, with the defending champion Lee-Anne Pace making the cut on the number at six-over-par.
Of the other Australians in the field, Stephanie Na is continuing her good form, she is currently tied for 21st at one-over-par after rounds of 74 and 73. WA’s Whitney Hillier is a further two shots back and tied for 35th place. Qld’s Bree Arthur also made it through Sunday on the cut number and is tied for 56th.
Unfortunately for Australians, Maggie Yuan, Adriana Brent and Alison Whitaker all missed the cut.
Watch the final round on the LET You tube, go to www.ladieseuropeantour.com and follow prompts.