Date: February 02, 2008
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Lindsey shows the Wright stuff at MFS Women’s Australian Open

Photo: Ladied European Tour MELBOURNE, Australia: Aussie Lindsey Wright has fired three consecutive rounds of 72 to lead the field into the final round of the 2008 MFS Women&aposs Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club. The 28-year old from Albury, New South Wales was a model of consistency on her way to yet another round of one-under, leaving her in the box seat to claim what would be the most significant win of her career. Wright will be looking over her shoulder though as four players sit within two shots of the lead including defending champion Karrie Webb who bogeyed the final hole on her way to an even-par 73. Webb looked ready to charge when she birdied the third hole, but a triple bogey followed and threatened to derail her title defence. After finding the sand with her approach, Webb bladed the ensuing bunker shot into an unplayable position on the opposite side of the green and despite her best efforts, couldn&apost escape with less than a seven. To her credit, the Queenslander regrouped, posted three more birdies and failing to drop another shot until the 18th where sand was once again her undoing. Webb will be content to sit one stroke behind her compatriot as they headline an exciting final day tomorrow. Overnight leader Kristie Smith found the going tough in sunny but breezy conditions at Kingston Heath. The 19-year old West Australian had back-to-back bogeys on the second and third holes and a triple bogey on the par-three sixth. The National Squad member clawed a couple of shots back and will start the final round at one-under, three adrift of the lead but certainly not out of it. Ji-Yai Shin is just one stroke back alongside Webb after a one-over 74. The Korean was solid on the front nine, even taking the lead for a brief period before sliding down the leaderboard when key putts didn&apost fall. Young Englishwoman Melissa Reid posted one of the rounds of the day with a four-under 69. The 20-year from Derby old had three consecutive birdies on each nine and if not for back-to-back bogeys after the turn, Reid would be up with the leaders but still finds herself in the hunt at one-under for the tournament. Final round action starts around 8:00am from Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne and will be broadcast live around the country on the ABC from 1:00pm (AEDT). For full scores, stats and a final round draw, visit www.australianopengolf.com