Kuala Lumpur: America’s Cristie Kerr said her putting skills were a gift from God as she holed seven birdies to seize a one-shot lead over China’s Feng Shanshan at the LPGA Malaysia on Saturday.
Kerr’s six-under-par 65 came after she birdied nine holes for a 63 on Friday at par-71 TPC Kuala Lumpur to move into position for her first title in six months.
Feng, the defending champion, shot 68 but former world number one Lydia Ko’s title drought looked set to continue when she carded 70 to lie tied 12th.
“I’m very entrenched in what I need to do is as far as hitting it the speed and starting it on line. God’s blessed me with this gift. I’m not going to second-guess it,” said Kerr of her putting.
“I’m just going to try to not put too much pressure on myself. That’s where I play my best golf from: I try to do the best on every shot, so that’s my mantra tomorrow.”
South Korea’s Kim Sei-Young lies third in the $1.8 million tournament, followed by American pair Stacy Lewis and Jacqui Concolino in joint fourth.
Feng, who is seeking her third win in the tournament, carded her third bogey-free round to remain firmly in contention heading into the final day.
“I almost felt like (my level) was going down, but I tried my best,” she said. “I mean, my ball-striking wasn’t as accurate, but I think overall, a three-under, bogey-free round is still a very good score for Saturday.”
Feng added: “I’m not really trying to think about that bogey-free thing. I just want to keep the good playing going.” — AFP
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