Australia's Garrett shares Tenerife lead
IN: News | Ladies European | Tenerife Ladies Open (2007) | by Bruce Young : iseekgolf.com | 06 May 2007
Italy’s Sophie Sandolo, Australia’s Nikki Garrett and Wales’ Becky Brewerton shared the lead after Saturday’s third round of the Tenerife Ladies Open at Golf del Sur.
The trio were tied on one-under-par 215 to lead by one over three players: England’s Sophie Walker, Spain’s Ana Larraneta and Ana Belen Sanchez, the Spaniard who led after the first and second rounds.
Sandolo fired the best score of the day âÄ” a four-under 68 in tough winds and she played the back nine, which was her front nine, in 32 strokes – the best back nine score of the week.
Garrett, the 2006 Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year in association with the Bill Johnson Trophy, shot a 71.
Brewerton carded a 73 and all three players were in the hunt for breakthrough victories on the Ladies European Tour.
Overnight leader Sanchez carded a 76 to drop one stroke behind the leaders on even par and she was tied for fourth place but remained optimistic.
“I did not hole one single putt today but the tournament is not over!” Sanchez said. “Why should I lose hope? I just hope that today was my silly day and not tomorrow!”
Monaco based Sandolo, 30, stepped up her title bid with an eagle, three birdies and a bogey. She eagled the par-five 12th hole, having holed out from the greenside trap.
“It was a bit of luck,” said Sandolo, who has become famous for her raunchy calendar shoots over the past three years. “But I played well and missed several birdie chances because of the wind. I stayed really calm all day.”
Garrett, 23, from Shelly Beach in New South Wales, carded three birdies and two bogeys, with the highlight a chip in for birdie at the 16th.
“I’m surprised that I’m up there but it was really windy this afternoon so a lot of players fell back a little,” said Garrett.
“It’s the first tournament back after a long period off and to be playing in the last group will be fun. I just want to relax in front of the telly tonight and then tomorrow play some normal golf!”
Brewerton, 24, from Abergele, who has twice finished as the runner up in the event, firstly as an amateur in 2003 and then again as a professional in 2004, was relieved to return a solid score in the difficult conditions. She carded three birdies and four bogeys whilst playing in the penultimate group.
“It was so tiring out there because even on three foot putts you had to account for the wind,” Brewerton said. “A 68 is an amazing score today. I don’t think I could have shot 68. I’m pleased to have come away at one-under.”
Thailand’s Titiya Plucksataporn, Australia’s Lisa Jean and Frenchwomen Gwladys Nocera and Virginie Auffret were tied for seventh position on one-over-par.
Sandolo, Garrett and Brewerton will tee off in the final group on Sunday at 9.50am local time.
Source – LET
