Ernst takes two-shot lead into LPGA final round

August 31, 2015 | 09:36

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American Austin Ernst took a two-stroke lead into the final round of the LPGA Classic on Sunday, seeking a second LPGA title in a marathon final day at the weather-hit event.

Austin Ernst tees off on the ninth hole during the third round of the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill in Prattville, United States. (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images/AFP)

PRATTVILLE: American Austin Ernst took a two-stroke lead into the final round of the LPGA Classic on Sunday (Aug 30), seeking a second LPGA title in a marathon final day at the weather-hit event.

Ernst completed a bogey-free third-round 68 on the Senator course on Sunday morning to take a two shot lead over Taiwan's Tseng Ya-ni and American Lexi Thompson.

Tseng, a former world number one vying for her first title since 2012, carded a one-under 71, while Thompson posted a 69 for 205. They were one stroke in front of American Kris Tamulis and South Korean Kim Sei-Young, who both shot 67 for 206.

Weather delays totalling five hours on Saturday saw Ernst and Tseng complete just four holes before darkness halted play.

So Ernst knew she was facing a long march in her effort to add another title to the first career trophy she lifted in Portland last year.

"It will basically just be get as many birdies as I can," she said. "I know the scores are still going to be low. It's just going to be more continuous golf than usual."

AFP

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