MALAYSIAN LPGA: Korean Choi breaks free

THERE was another three hour delay at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) yesterday, but it worked wonders for three ladies poised at the top of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Leaderboard.
Rain and thunder was on the menu again, and so was plenty of food for outright leader Choi Na Yeon of South Korea who returned a 67 for a 12-under 201.
And flight mates Yani Tseng of Taiwan and Azahara Munoz of Spain were equally happy with the rain-delay, which allowed them to replenish their energy.
Second on the ladies show was Brittany Lang of the United States who had a 69 for a 11-under 202 lead.
Yani, the world No 1, had a third round 69 and is eight-under 205 for tied-fourth, while the Spaniard returned a 68 for tied-third on 10-under 203.
"I really enjoyed playing with Yani and Munoz as they were great company on the flight. However, my putter was cold in the morning but it picked up after I had birdies on the nine and 10th, and I started enjoying my round of golf as well.
"It is nice to be among the top, and I will try to hold onto my game and hopefully, the birdies roll in tomorrow (today)," said Choi.
She had nine top-ten finishes but no title to show this season, and hopes to break the jinx.
"I have been there many times this season, but never won anything so hopefully Sunday will be kind to me this time," said Choi.
As for World No 1 Yani, she just kept eating to while away the delay, and is within shot of the title as she is only four strokes adrift.
"The delay did not bother, or help my games because I was hitting birdies before and after. However, it allowed my to rest and eat, and hopefully there would not be any delays in the final round," said Yani.
Munoz was more at ease after her round saw four birdies in seven holes.
"The greens are nice and my game picked up after the four birdies, it is nice to be in contention going into the final, but it is a crowded race and hopefully I land my maiden LPGA title here," said the 2010 rookie of the year.