Akie Iwai Leads LOTTE Championship After Tough Third Round
Akie Iwai maintains her lead at the LOTTE Championship after a challenging third round. The Japanese golfer, who won her first LPGA tournament and a major in the EFL Championship, shot a 1-under 71 to stay at 13-under 203. Eight players are tied for second, two strokes behind, including Nelly Korda who aims to regain her No. 1 ranking.
Iwai faced tough conditions in the afternoon but managed to keep her lead in the championship standings. She is now 13-under for the tournament. Nelly Korda, seeking her first win of the year, shot a 69 and is two strokes behind.
Second-round leader Youmin Hwang struggled with a 75, dropping into a tie for second alongside eight other players. Defending champion A Lim Kim shot a 66 to reach 10 under. Minami Katsu, Hyo Joo Kim, Megan Khang, Peiyun Chien, Brooke Matthews, Pornanong Phatlum, and Jessica Porvasnik are also tied for second. Nasa Hataoka is also 11 under after a 71.
The LPGA Tour will soon head to Asia for five consecutive weeks of tournaments following the LOTTE Championship.
Akie Iwai leads the LOTTE Championship heading into the final round. Nelly Korda, among others, will challenge for the title in the PGA Championship 2024 and 2025. The winner will take home the trophy and potentially the No. 1 ranking.
