Record takes Webb to top

Australia’s Karrie Webb broke her own course record with a 10-under-par 62 in the third round of the ANZ Ladies Masters at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

The world number three came from seven strokes behind overnight leader Sun Ju Ahn of South Korea to finish the day tied for the lead with compatriot Michelle Ellis on 15 under.

Webb’s 62 bettered her previous course record of 63, which she set in 1999 and which Ai Miyazato and Tiffany Joh equalled in 2005.

It was the best score in the 18-year history of the ANZ Ladies Masters and just one stroke short of Webb’s personal career best, an 11-under-par 61 at the 2000 Oldsmobile Classic in Michigan.

“It was one of those days where it felt as though the hole was as big as a bucket,” said Webb.

“I was just trying to keep making birdies and was in such a good groove, especially on the greens. It was one of those days when everything was on my side.”

Webb carded 10 birdies and took the outright lead after 15 holes but hit a bunker on 18 and had to putt to save par.

Webb posted rounds of 71 and 68 on the first two days and played with Taiwan’s Ruby Tseng and Welsh ace Becky Brewerton in the third round.

Brewerton, entering her fourth year with the Ladies European Tour, carded a 68 for a nine-under-par aggregate and a share of eighth position.

“It was a privilege playing with Webby today,” Brewerton said. “It was absolutely inspirational. It was amazing – the best golf I’ve ever seen.”

Ellis shot a 68 and will play with Webb and Wahlin in the final group tomorrow.

She is looking forward to the challenge and said: “I’ll take it as it is and play my game.

“I am not going to say I won’t be nervous because I will. The quicker I can settle my nerves and get under way, the better I will play.

“There are still a lot of players in contention behind us. You can shoot six or seven under around here if you are on your game. Nobody is really out of it.”

Ji Yai Shin of South Korea sits just one shot adrift on 14 under after a third-round 66 and a trio of players – Ahn, Lotta Wahlin and Cristie Kerr – are two shots further back.

Australia’s Rachel Hetherington is five shots behind the leaders while Brewerton lies in eighth place with Brittany Lincicome, Ana Laranetta and Minea Blomqvist.

Scotland’s Clare Queen was the first reserve at last week’s tournament but is making her trip to Australia worthwhile. She is currently in 12th position on eight-under-par after a 70.