20 year-old Shina Kanazawa from Japan, posted a superb third round 5-under 68 in the SA Women’s Rene Erichsen Salver, moving into a tie for the lead with overnight leader Robyn Choi from Queensland.
Kanazawa rattle off five birdies for the day without a blemish. The 2015 World University Games silver medallist, made birdies on three of the four, Par-5 holes, for the second round in a row.
Kanazawa has adapted to Royal Adelaide’s layout well, after spending a day and half pre-event, practising and mapping the course with national coach Gareth Jones.
Queensland’s Choi, continued her fine week posting an impressive 3-under 70, making birdies on three of the last five holes.
“I will just play sort like match play (tomorrow) but just focusing on my game. If she birdies then I can’t really do too much so then just play my game,” Choi said.
When asked if she was confident, Choi replied “anything can happen”.
South Australian Elysia Yap (Glenelg GC) continued her fine run, posting an even par round of 73 to be 1-under for the tournament and third overall.
Yap birdied all three par-5’s on the front nine holes to remain in contention for the title.
“I gave myself a few more opportunities today, hit a few more greens on the back nine, but just didn’t seem to hole any putts today”. Yap said.
“If I manage to drop a few putts tomorrow, there is no reason why I can shoot a few under” Yap added.
Next best South Australian is Jin-young Yun (The Grange) in outright fifth at 7-over, after rounds of 75, 72, 79 while Ella Adams (The Grange) is 10th at 9-over (75, 77, 76).
Kristalle Blum, also from The Grange, had a tough day, posting a forgettable 11-over 84 to drop from sixth to 13th.
The leading women’s group of Kanazawa, Choi and Yap tee off at 8.56am on Thursday 24 March at Royal Adelaide.