Miyu Yamashita extended her lead at the CPKC Women’s Open in Edmonton, while Aphrodite Deng, a Canadian teenager, made a significant climb up the rankings on Saturday. Yamashita from Japan recorded a remarkable 5-under-par 65 in the third round, bringing her total score to 19 under for the tournament at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. With a six-stroke advantage heading into Sunday, the 25-year-old is aiming for her fourth LPGA victory and second of the season.
Yamashita bounced back from a lone bogey on the 17th hole by sinking a birdie on the 18th, expressing her fondness for the course and her strong putting performance. Her 54-hole score of 191 set a new tournament record, and her six-shot lead tied the record for the largest 54-hole lead in the event’s history. On the other hand, Gina Kim of the U.S. carded a 6-under 64, and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida shot a 66 to trail Yamashita at 13 under.
The 16-year-old Deng, hailing from Calgary, delivered the lowest round of the day with a stellar 63, propelling her to 10 under and a tied sixth position. She reflected on her performance, emphasizing the importance of learning from previous days and minimizing errors.
In a notable first for the tournament, four Canadian women aged 18 and under, including Deng, made the cut. Vancouver’s Anna Huang, and amateurs Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Clairey Lin from Langley, B.C., continued their competition over the weekend. Huang, 17, posted an even 70 to reach 7 under, while Xing, 18, recorded a 71 at 1 under, and Lin, 16, finished at 2 over with a 72.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., rebounded from a shaky start to finish at 7 under after shooting consecutive 68s. Henderson, aiming for a strong finish, acknowledged Yamashita’s impressive play and focused on her own performance in the final round.
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains intense, with players showcasing their skills and determination. Weather conditions are expected to play a role in Sunday’s final round, with forecasts predicting a warm day with potential thunderstorms later in the afternoon.
