HONOLULU – Akie Yiwai fought through Gust Wind at the Hoakarei Country Club on Friday, taking a third round lead at the Lotte Championship.
Ike, a 23-year-old Japanese player who won the Portland Classic in his first LPGA Tour title in August, shot a 1-under 71 in difficult afternoon conditions, reaching 203 under.
“There’s no change. Please continue,” Iwa said. “Please have fun with a smile.”
Second round leader Youmin Hwang tracked a career-high 62 on Thursday, falling to the second tie with Minami Katsu (66), Hyo Joo Kim (66), Megan Khang (67), Peiyun Chien (68), Brooke Matthews (69), Pornanong Phatlum (69), Jessica Porvasnik (69), Jessica Porvasnik (69), Jessic Matthews (68), and Jessica Porvasnik (69) on 75.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of wind tomorrow too,” Katsu said. “Hopefully, hold on.”
Second place, Korda won the 18th at age 69 and under 11.
Away from the seven seasons, Korda has not won this year and has lost his No. 1 ranking to Jeeno Thitikul. This tour had different winners in all 24 official tournaments this year.
“The most important thing for me is giving 100% to every shot,” Korda said. “That’s what I’m trying to do tomorrow. You’ll never know. Golf is a crazy sport. Sports is crazy.”
Nasa Hataoka was under the age of 11 after 71 years of age.
Iwai stabilized himself after a par 3 12th day bogey and made a sensational up and down on the first 13th of six straight pars. She missed the chance to double the lead in par 5 18th place, blasting up to 6 feet from the bunker and failing to try to defeat the birdie.
“I’m getting ready for tomorrow, forgetting what happened today,” Iwai said.
On the 13th of the par-4, Iwa hit a massive fairway bunker, shortening 56 yards in a rough right before avoiding his second straight bogey. She began the perrun by hitting the wedge three feet, hitting 46 of 46 of 54 greens in three days.
“I’m going to say I’m a shot maker,” Iwai said.
He shot 64 on Wednesday to take a first-round lead before scoring 68 on Thursday, making his three-stroke behind South Korean LPGA star Hwang.
Iwako’s twin sister Chisato also won the tour rookie this year, hosting the Mayakoba event in May. On Friday, Chisat was 9 years old after 71 years old.
After the event, the LPGA will head to Asia for the tournament for the fifth consecutive week in Shanghai, Korea, Malaysia and Japan.
