LPGA Tour: Ai Miyazato regains lead in Phoenix

Published on 18/03/2013 02:25

JAPAN’S Ai Miyazato retook the lead at Founders Cup in Phoenix, firing a second-straight five-under-par 67 to establish a two-shot advantage on 19-under heading into the final round.

Miyazato’s blemish-free round put her two clear of American Stacy Lewis, whose 66 saw her pass overnight leader Jee Young Lee as the South Korean could only manage a level-par 72 to sit 15-under.Despite feeling uncomfortable at the start of her round, Miyazato kicked it into gear and holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th “I didn’t hit any bad shots but couldn’t take my birdie chances,” said Miyazato. “But, towards the end, I started to feel more comfortable with my putting. The last putt was really clutch, I think, so that’s going to be good momentum to tomorrow.”

Anna Nordqvist was leading the European challenge, sitting in a share of fourth on 13 under, while England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff was six under and compatriot Karen Stupples on level par.