Matthew slips to ten behind surprise leader

Published on Sunday 29 June 2008 01:24

CATRIONA Matthew had started the US Women's Open so promisingly with a 70, but was long way off the lead after a third round 73 yesterday at Interlachen Country Club in Minnesota.

The North Berwick golfer made a birdie at her final hole – the par four ninth – and was the leading British player on one over par and in a tie for 24th. But she was ten shots behind the surprise leader, American Stacy Lewis.

It was a horror third day for Glasgow's Janice Moodie. She also started on the back nine in the weather-hit tournament and had five bogeys in a row from the third (her 12th hole) and it got even worse when she ran a double-bogey at the eight. She bravely made a birdie at the ninth but an 80 left her on ten over par and all but last of the 74 qualifiers.

Matthew did have the satisfaction of out-scoring her playing partner and world No.1 Lorena Ochoa. The Mexican had a 76 for four over par.

Joint seventh after the first round, Matthew's fortune changed on day two as she was caught out by a lightning storm that suspended play for well over two hours.

She had covered 11 holes in a very respectable one over par before the storm struck. But after two and half hours mulling things over in the clubhouse, she returned to drop a shot at the 14th and two more at the 16th for a 77.

Lewis shot 67 for nine under par and led by one from fellow-American Paula Creamer, who had a 69. It is a first professional tournament for 23-year-old Lewis, although she did underline her class by winning all five matches in helping the US win the Curtis Cup at St Andrews earlier this month.

Annika Sorenstam's hopes of a fourth US Open and an 11th major in her retirement season just about stayed alive with a 72 for two under par. If she could have found form with her putter, the three-time former champion would have been right up with the leaders.

"What can I do?" questioned the former world No.1. "I'm hitting the ball great but just need the putts to fall. But I'll be giving it my all tomorrow and you never know what might happen."