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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

American Salas takes 54-hole lead at Women’s Aussie Open

Lydia Ko of New Zealand, the No. 1-ranked player in women’s golf, is 10 strokes back at the Australian Open. (Joshua Paul / Associated Press)
Associated Press

ADELAIDE, Australia – American Lizette Salas shot a 2-under 71 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead over two Australians and a Thai golfer heading into the final round of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide.

Salas, who had a 10-under total of 209, was 1 over after the front nine, but rescued her round with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes and another on the par-5 17th.

Australian Olympian Su Oh had the round of the day, a 68, and was tied for second with 36-hole leader Sarah Jane Smith (74) and Pornanong Phatlum (73).

Defending champion Haru Nomura of Japan had a second consecutive 69 and was in a group tied for seventh, four strokes behind.

No. 2-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, the LPGA’s Player of the Year and a five-time winner in 2016, shot a 71 and was at 4-under. Michelle Wie shot 76 and was at 2-under, eight strokes behind.

No. 1-ranked Lydia Ko of New Zealand was at even par after a 73 on Saturday, as was Canada’s Brooke Henderson.

Ko has a new coach, caddie and equipment.

“It takes time to get used to, but with the clubs actually, it hasn’t really taken a long time,” Ko said “Straight away I had a rough idea how far it was going and the flight itself. It’s something that I can trust, even though it’s only my first tournament with them.”