Ko leads Korean charge at the ANA Inspiration

Jin Young Ko will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the ANA Inspiration after surviving a rollercoaster finish to her four-under-par round of 68.

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Ko leads Korean charge at the ANA Inspiration

April 07, 2019: Korea’s Jin Young Ko will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the ANA Inspiration after surviving a rollercoaster finish to her four-under-par round of 68.

Ko, the world no. five, had six birdies in the first 10 holes but came back to the field when she double bogeyed the 14th and then dropped another shot at the 15th. A birdie at the 17th helped keep her in pole position at eight under, however, just ahead of her compatriot In-Kyung Kim.

Kim started the day three shots clear but slipped back with a 73, while another Korean Mi Hyang Lee, is tied third after a 68 which featured a hole-in-one at the 17th. She is level with American Danielle Kang, who signed for a 70.

Ko, who is chasing her first major title, said: “Sometimes these things happen like on 14 and 15, I’m not a robot, I’m human. I don’t think about the bad things, I just look for the good things.

“I have a great relationship with IK. She’s amazing and I will really enjoy playing with her tomorrow. I’m not afraid, I’m just looking forward to Sunday.”

Kim, who missed a putt from a foot here in 2012 to win her maiden major, was three over for the front nine but ground out a two-under-par back nine to stay in touch with Ko.

She said: “I did my best. I still love playing golf – I think that’s why I played quite well on the back nine. I hit many good shots.

“The wind really didn’t come as much as I expected. That kind of got me a little bit on the front nine. But tomorrow is another day, and I think I’ve learned a lot today.

“It’s hard to stay in the process. I’m just glad to be here with my friends and a lot of people rooting for me. I feel it, and I just want to go out and enjoy tomorrow.”

England’s Charley Hull carded a 74 to slip down to a share of 15th spot and it was a day to forget for reigning Women’s British Open champion Georgia Hall, whose 76 left her tied 50th.

 

IMG Golf