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Ochoa moves six shots clear in British Open
2007-08-04
World number one Lorena Ochoa took a firm grip on the Women's British Open as wild winds sent scores soaring in the third round on Saturday. The Mexican kept her composure, firing a level par 73 to stay six-under and move six shots ahead of Sweden's Linda Wessberg. Wessberg, the 26-year-old French Open Champion, was one of only three players to break par and a 72 lifted her into outright second place. Former world number one Annika Sorenstam shot 77 and was in a four-way tie for third place on one over par 220. "This was one of the best rounds of my life. But I know it is not over. Anything can still happen tomorrow, said Ochoa, who has led from round one. "When I opened my curtains this morning I saw that it was blowing really hard and I knew that par would be a great score. "I actually enjoyed it. It was a mental battle and now I am very tired but I couldn't be more pleased and I just hope I can play the same way tomorrow," the 25-year-old from Guadalajara told reporters. Ochoa has won 12 regular LPGA titles, but has never made the major breakthrough. She lost the 2006 Kraft Nabisco Championship in a play-off and she was runner-up at the U.S. Women's Open last month. One ahead after the second round, Ochoa holed a 30-foot putt for the first of her three birdies at the third. She added two more, at the fifth and 12th as the rest of the field struggled in the wind. Her American playing partner, Wendy Ward, and Briton Catriona Matthew, tied for second overnight, both shot 80 and slipped to joint seventh, eight shots off the lead. Sorenstam had five bogeys before eventually claiming a birdie at the par five 17th where she got up and down from the back of the green. Wessberg had four birdies in her round to raise her hopes of a shock victory.
Ochoa steamrolls rivals to win in Singapore (2008-03-02)Americans off to fast start at Solheim (2007-09-14)Ochoa moves six shots clear in British Open (2007-08-04)Wie withdraws; Park holds 2-stroke lead (2007-06-30)Shin grabs Open lead; Ochoa, Kerr follow (2007-06-30)
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