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Women's British Open 2019: Hinako Shibuno Leads at 14 Under Entering Final Round

Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistAugust 3, 2019

WOBURN, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Hinako Shibuno of Japan plays into the 12th green during the third round of the AIG Women's British Open at Woburn Golf Club on August 03, 2019 in Woburn, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Hinako Shibuno will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the 2019 Women's British Open.

The Japanese player carded a five-under 67 on Saturday at Woburn Golf and Country Club, leaving her on 14 under overall.

Ashleigh Buhai, who was five shots clear earlier in the round, finished on even par at 12 under.

Here's a look at how the leaderboard shaped up after a hectic moving day:

1. Hinako Shibuno -14

2. Ashleigh Buhai -12

3. Sung Hyun Park -11

T-4. Morgan Pressel -10

T-4. Jin Young Ko -10

T-4. Lizette Salas -10

The full leaderboard can be found at the LPGA's official website.

                         

Day 3 Recap

Buhai had led the field at the end of each of the first two rounds, and she built on her position with birdies at the second and the seventh holes, the former a putt from 20 feet.

She took her lead to five shots with a third gain at the 10th:

Sky Sports Golf @SkySportsGolf

The 🐦 just keep coming for Buhai as she moves to -15 🤯 📺 Watch day three of the Women's British Open live on Sky Sports Golf #AIGWBO https://t.co/biDs2LBGZo https://t.co/2i8CyifpzK

The 30-year-old had dropped just one shot in the opening two rounds, but she let the field back in with consecutive bogeys at the 12th and 13th holes:

Sky Sports Golf @SkySportsGolf

🙈 Back-to-back bogeys for leader Buhai sees her fall to -13 and her lead drop to 2 🙈 📺 Watch day three of the Women's British Open live on Sky Sports Golf #AIGWBO https://t.co/biDs2LBGZo https://t.co/k8M97scXP9

Another dropped shot at the 16th, as she failed to sink a 15-foot putt for par, allowed Shibuno to pull level.

The 20-year-old was one over for the day after the front nine, but as Buhai faltered, she roared into the lead with six birdies on the back nine:

AIG Women’s British Open @AIGWBO

We have a new leader! Hinako Shibuno converts a great tee shot on 17 and moves to 13-under! 🔥 #AIGWBO #MasterTheElements https://t.co/m23jK9QaTf

After taking the lead on the 17th, she consolidated her position with a final gain at the 18th to open up a little breathing room heading into the last round.

Like Buhai, Carlota Ciganda had enjoyed a strong start before a disappointing finish proved costly.

The Spaniard picked up four shots on the front nine, including an eagle at the seventh:

LPGA @LPGA

Olé! 🇪🇸 Spaniard @carlotagolf eagles No. 7 to get to 10-under par and just three back of leader Buhai. 🦅 @AIGWBO | @GolfChannel https://t.co/RhpqQ3vQCo

She made further gains at the 12th and 14th holes after a bogey at the 11th, but a double bogey on the final hole dropped her away from the lead and onto nine under overall.