‘Moving day’ at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open saw another first-class display from the Ladies European Tour pros, as Indian maestro Aditi Ashok by-passed Lee-Ann Pace to claim top spot on the leaderboard.
Ashok was obviously delighted with her play on day three: “I started really well with five under on the front nine and I took advantage of my birdie chances. However I had one three putt on the 15th, which was kind of bad but it’s great to take the lead into the final day, however there are plenty of players still in contention, so I’m still going to have to play good tomorrow. ”
All eyes were on Cheyenne Woods this morning, as the young American looked to build on yesterday’s spectacular hole-in-one and overall third place position and she didn’t disappoint. Woods managed a fantastic round, posting five birdies to put herself in second place ahead of the final day.
She said: “I had a pretty solid round altogether, played well from start to finish and gave myself lots of birdie chances, as I just wanted to be up there with the leaders. I am ready for tomorrow and excited for what it will bring”.
The third round was brimming with action, as 28-year-old Brit Eleanor Givens scored 8 under, tallying six birdies and one eagle in a stellar round, putting her in tied third position overall with Lee-Anne Pace, whilst Ashok carded 68 to take an overnight lead of two shots.
Commenting on her surge to near top of the leaderboard, Givens said: “I really enjoyed today and felt I hit the ball really well overall. My family were here today so it’s great they got to see my lowest ever round and now really looking forward to tomorrow, I am going to go out and be aggressive”
USA’s Cheyenne Woods impressive display saw her climb to the second spot.
First and second round leader Lee-Anne Pace faced challenges from the start, parring 11 consecutive holes, seeing the South African slip to third place on 12 under par overall. Reflecting on her third day performance she said: “I’m really frustrated today but I feel I didn’t play that badly, I just left myself in bad positions. However a quick start tomorrow and I could get there.”