South Korean Olympic hopeful Ji-Ae Shin, 35, is within striking distance of the title at the Australian Women’s Open.
Shin shot an even-par 72 in the third round of the tournament at the par-72 Australian Golf Club in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday to sit in second place with a nine-under-par 208 total.
She dropped one spot from the previous day’s lead, but remains three strokes behind leader Ashley Buhai (South Africa – 12-under par 205).
Shin is a veteran of the Japan Women’s Professional Golf Tour with 64 career wins, including 20 on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour and 11 on the United States Ladies Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour.
Currently ranked No. 15 in the world, Shin will need to maintain that ranking through next June to secure one of the four Olympic spots available to a country.
Shin was two shots down through the 11th hole of the third round, but birdied the 14th and 16th holes for an even-par score.
Australian compatriot Lee Min-ji is in third place with a 5-under-par 212 total, leaving him in contention for the title.
The tournament is unique in that it runs concurrently with the men’s Australian Open.
Players will alternate between two courses, Australia Golf Club and Lake Golf Club, for rounds one and two. The third and fourth rounds will be held at the Australian Golf Club.
In the men’s competition, Lee Min-ji’s younger brother, Lee Min-woo, is tied for the lead after rounds one through three with a 13-under par 201 total.
If Lee Min-ji and Lee Min-woo finish on top in the final round, it will be the first time a brother and sister have won the tournament at the same time. 슬롯