By Canadian Press

Rose Zhang shoots 66, takes lead into Mizuho Americas Open finale

Jun 3, 2023 | 6:46 PM

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Two-time NCAA champion Rose Zhang moved into position to win in her professional debut, shooting a 6-under 66 on Saturday to take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Mizuho Americans Open.

The former Stanford star had six birdies in a bogey-free round on a raw, overcast day at Liberty National in jumping to the top of the leaderboard. It’s nothing new for the 20-year-old from California who won 12 of 20 events in her two years in college, with many viewing it as a sign of things to come.

Event 1 is certainly shaping up that way with a day to go, and it could have been better. Zhang settled for a tap-in birdie at the driveable 16th hole after hitting her tee shot within about five feet.

Cheyenne Knight, who was tied with Minjee Lee for the halfway lead at 7-under, was tied for second with Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand and Aditi Ashok of India, who both shot 68s. Knight had a 69, making a bogey at No, 17 and missing a 10-footer for birdie on the final hole.

Lee (72) was 7-under in fifth place, a shot ahead of Jennifer Kupcho (69) rookie Hae Ran Ryu (66) and Eun-Hee Ji (70).

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

38m ago

In the community

Medicine Hat public library screening movie to open discussion on addiction and recovery

16h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

London Drugs' senior loneliness program back for ninth year

17h ago

Stephanie Kyriacoiu of Australia had the best round of the day, shooting a 65 that included an eagle, six birdies and an early bogey. The 22-year-old was at 5-under along with top-ranked Jin Young Ko (73) and fellow South Korean player Sei Young Kim (70).

No. 3 ranked Lydia Ko, who was a shot behind the lead entering the round, and No. 8-ranked Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ontario, who was two shots off the pace, finished at 1-under. Ko shot 77, and Henderson 76.

—

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Tom Canavan, The Associated Press