Consistent Kreutz leads the charge
IN: News | Ladies European | Tenerife Ladies Open (2005) | Round Three | 10 Apr 2005
Ludivine Kreutz was the model of consistency after her third consecutive 69 at the Tenerife Ladies Open at Golf Costa Adeje.
The 2003 Italian Open Champion from Rognac carded a faultless three-under-par 69 to finish two shots clear on nine-under-par.
Marta Prieto from Spain finished in outright second position after a five-under-par 67 and four players are tied for third place on six-under.
They are Nienke Nijenhuis from the Netherlands, who had a 69, Georgina Simpson from England, who had a 71, Miriam Nagl from Germany, who had a 71 and Eleanor Pilgrim from Wales, who had a 73.
England's Trish Johnson climbed up the leader board to seventh position with a five-under-par total after recording a women's course record seven-under-par 65 to tack on to her opening rounds of 71 and 75.
And the two Italians, Tulia Calzavara and defending champion Diana Luna, share eighth position each with a four-under-par total.
Yet none could reach the target set by the 31-year-old French woman Kreutz, who is aiming for her second victory in seven years as a professional.
"I want to win a tournament this year so that I can qualify for the Evian Masters", said Kreutz, who leads going into the final round for the first time in her career with the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour.
"When I won in Italy, it was a surprise, and it took me a year to figure out how to do it again. But I've realised that you have to believe in yourself and now I do, so my fingers are crossed for tomorrow".
Kreutz had three birdies at the third, eighth and 10th holes after a steady round where she kept out of trouble.
"I was a bit frustrated because I had three putts on the par five 13th and I was on the green in two with the chance for a birdie putt.
"I also played a bad wedge shot on the 17th, otherwise it was good.
"Last year was difficult because I missed a lot of cuts so I'm happy to have my game back this season. I seem to have found my form so far this year."
Prieto, who finished in second position after her 67, cut a fashionable figure on the course in her bright green 'Medilast Sport' socks, which she attributed partly to her good performance.
"My legs feel a lot less tired because of these socks, and they make the blood flow better in your legs," said the 27-year-old from Seville.
"I played well today but because the greens are not that fast you have to hit the ball right up to the hole.
"I'm feeling confident, so I'll just go out there and do my best, try to enjoy it and see what happens tomorrow."
Source - LET
