Quebecer Maude-Aimée Leblanc is just one stroke off the lead after 54 holes at the Trust Golf LPGA Scottish Open. Saturday, on the Ayrshire course, she handed over a card of 66 (-6), the best of the day.
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Leblanc is looking for a first career title on the LPGA Tour. She had two top 10 finishes at the start of the season, including a career-high fourth place at the JTBC Classic.
The 33-year-old golfer is on fire in Scotland, having stalled seven birdies in the third round, including three in a row between the seventh and ninth pennants. The Sherbrooke resident could have taken the lead, but a bogey in the 16th slowed her down somewhat. She nevertheless ended her day by retrenching a par shot on the 18th hole.
Leblanc responded brilliantly to his card of 69 (-3) given the day before. Leblanc is now third, tied with Germany’s Leonie Harm, by virtue of her cumulative 202 (-14). Lydia Ko lost feathers on Saturday, having to settle for a round of 71 (-1). The New Zealander, leader after 36 holes, now shares the top with the Frenchwoman Celine Boutier, at -15.