Ko retains share of lead at women’s Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Newly crowned world number one Lydia Ko shot a one-under-par 72 on Saturday to retain a share of the lead heading into the final round of the women’s Australian Open, the third event on this year’s LPGA Tour.
The 17-year-old from New Zealand had three birdies and two bogeys to finish at seven-under on a hot and humid day at Royal Melbourne.
“You hit in on to the green and you have this humongous break,” Ko told reporters. “It’s tough in every aspect ... it does feel like a major.”
Ko finished the round tied with another teen, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, who also shot 72 after starting her day with a bogey on the first hole.
South Korea’s Amy Yang carded a 70 to be outright third, one shot behind the leading pair at six-under while Juliette Granada of Paraguay and Australia’s Katherine Kirk were a further two shots back.