A superb seven-under round of 65 propelled Aditi Ashok into the top five on Saturday as the Indian golfer produced her best performance of the season during the third round of the LPGA Tour’s Portland Classic.
Ashok, who had played only 12 events this season and registered a single top-10 finish before this week, made a blistering start with birdies on the opening two holes. She then strung together three consecutive birdies from the sixth to the eighth before adding another two in quick succession on the 13th and 14th to finish the day at 12-under.
Her earlier rounds of 69 and 70 had kept her within striking distance of the leaders, but the sparkling 65 has lifted her into serious contention for a podium finish.
Japan’s Akie Iwai took charge of the tournament after an eight-under 64, surging to the top of the leaderboard on 18-under. Iwai, who eagled the fifth hole and picked up birdies on all three remaining par-fives, is bidding to follow her twin sister Chisato in winning on the LPGA Tour this season.
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Grace Kim of Australia lies two shots back on 16-under after a 67 that included a spectacular 156-yard hole-out for eagle from the rough on the par-4 17th. Sweden’s Linn Grant is third on 14-under following her impressive 65.
Gurleen Kaur carded a round of 70 to move to 13-under, while Savannah Grewal dropped back to tied-25th after a 72. Gina Kim joined Aditi on 12-under with a 67.
Former leader Jeongeun Lee5 slipped to 10-under following a disappointing 74 on a day when several big moves were made in perfect scoring conditions at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
Ashok will now look to build on her momentum in the final round as she chases her first LPGA title of the season.
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