Golf: Hataoka 2 shots off pace after 3 rounds at LPGA LA Championship

LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) — Japan’s Nasa Hataoka shot a third-round 7-under 64 to move into sixth place, two shots off the pace at the LPGA’s L.A. Championship on Saturday.

Hataoka carded one eagle and seven birdies against two bogeys at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles for a 5-under total of 208 as Australians Hannah Green and Grace Kim share top spot on the leaderboard.

“It’s great I’ve managed to get a low score for the first time in a while,” said Hataoka, who struggled to 73 and 71 in her first two rounds. “I was able to sink my 13-to-16-foot putts when those chances came my way.”

“If I can have a similar final-day round, there’s still a chance to win it.”

Hataoka’s compatriot Ayaka Furue is in a five-way tie for 10th after logging seven birdies and three bogeys for a 67 to put herself four strokes off the pace. Mao Saigo is two shots further back, tied for 21st.