PRESS RELEASE

FENG GOES ON BIRDIE BLITZ, TRAILS HATAOKA

 

BY THREE STROKES

 

Kobe, Japan September 14: China’s Feng Shanshan stormed towards the top of the leaderboard when she went on a seven-hole birdie blitz before signing for a third round nine-under-par 63 at the 52^nd LPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup on Friday.

The Chinese player will head into the final round in third place, three shots back of Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and one behind second-placed Hikaru Yoshimoto at the￥200,000,000 Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association of Japan (LPGA) event which is co-sponsored by Konica Minolta Inc.

Feng is the first player from China, male or female, to become world number one. She held the position for 23 weeks from November 2017 to April 2018.

And she underlined her credentials when she started her birdie run from the par-four fifth. Feng came close to tying the LPGA Japan’s record of most consecutive birdies until a par on the 12^th hole momentarily stopped her birdie sprint.

“The pin position on 12 was not easy and it was a long birdie putt for me. I would have been very lucky if that putt had gone in. But overall it was a very good round for me,” said Feng.

The Chinese would go on to birdie 13 and 16 before rounding up her eventful day with a flawless 63 at the Cherry Hills Golf Club.

“I managed to hit most of my shots close to the pin today and I trusted my instincts. I was actually hoping to finish at 10-under. I tried my best but it’s okay, I’m still very happy with a 63,” said Feng.

Hataoka held on to her overnight lead by returning with a 67 and is aware of what she needs to do to clinch her third title on the LPGA Japan.

“I need to keep the ball in the fairway and continue to stay patient. 20-under is the target I’ve set for myself and if I can do that tomorrow, I’ll have a good chance of winning,” said the Japanese.

For full scores, click here.

【2019】LPGA Championship Konica Minolta cup HOLES｜LPGA｜The Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan