With an unfortunate bogey start to an otherwise exciting round, Wendy Ward finished happily today with a 4-under 68, putting her in sole possession of the lead (-11). Playing comfortably today, Ward spread out her five birdies over the course of the round. When asked about her eight-par beginning to the round Wendy stated “You have to stay aggressive on this course. I didn’t give myself any opportunity. I was hitting crooked off the tee. I was making some really good saves but that doesn’t jump you ahead.”
Karrie Webb wasn’t too excited about her round today, either. “I just didn’t feel as comfortable as I did yesterday. I didn’t have as many chances at birdies. I’ve made three bogeys in the tournament and they have all been three-putts. I’ve got to be a little sharper tomorrow and give myself more opportunities.”
Karrie has been working on fitness and training to try and improve her stats. For the past two years, Webb has not seen any major victories and few wins. This year, due to her intense training regimen, she has trimmed down and has been focusing more on her core muscles. With three starts this season and her first win this year early in Australia, Webb recently passed the $10 million mark in career earnings.
Webb is currently tied for second with Moira Dunn, who, aside from her double bogey on the 11th hole, made eight birdies during her round.
There are four players tied for 4th place at -7. 16-year-old amateur and 2002 Rolex Rookie Junior Player of the Year In-Bee Park shot 71 with 5 bogeys in her first nine holes and six birdies on her back nine. Surprisingly, Lorena Ochoa turned in a tournament record 63 (-9) to tie for 4th place heading into the final round tomorrow. Mi Hyun Kim had an uneventful round, with only two birdies and a bogey at 18. Chilean Nicole Perrot, also in a tie for 4th, played her first seven holes at even par, came to life with three birdies on the back nine, but gave one back at the 18th.
Six players are currently tied for 8th place including 2005 rookie Paula Creamer. The 18-year-old had an up and down round today, starting strong but speckling her round with bogeys. Creamer is currently leading the rookies in a bid for the Rolex Rookie of the Year Award.
Last year’s defending champion, Cristie Kerr, doesn’t seem to be a threat to the rest of the field this week. She is currently in a tie for 55th and played her second round in only one under par.
Pos Player Today Tot R1 R2 1 Wendy Ward -4 -11 65 68 T2 Moira Dunn -5 -8 69 67 T2 Karrie Webb -1 -8 65 71 T4 Nicole Perrot -1 -7 66 71 T4 *In-Bee Park -1 -7 66 71 T4 Mi Hyun Kim -1 -7 66 71 T4 Lorena Ochoa -9 -7 74 63 T8 Paula Creamer -4 -6 70 68 T8 Dawn Coe-Jones -4 -6 70 68 T8 Dorothy Delasin -3 -6 69 69 T8 Michele Redman -4 -6 70 68 T8 Wendy Doolan E -6 66 72 T8 A.J. Eathorne -5 -6 71 67
Stay tuned to ESPN 2 for final round coverage of the 2005 Takefuji Classic, 5-7 pm ET.
Photo Credit: © LPGA.com.