Great expectations for Meunier-Lebouc

(Lytham St Annes, August 2 2003) Patricia Meunier Lebouc from France stands on the verge of winning her second major championship of the season as she takes a one shot lead into the final round of the £1.05million Weetabix Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes GC near Blackpool.

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“I was putting much better than the other days,” explained Lebouc, who admitted that her pregnancy helped keep her emotions in check this week.

“I know it’s tough to be leading in a major championship but I have been when I already won one. So you know, it could be my day, it could not be my day and we’ll see tomorrow. I give myself the best chance if I just go out there thinking that way instead if thinking ‘Oh I am leading a major championship and I want to win’.

“I’ll be happy if I win, but if I don’t, there will be many reasons for it. You know with these girls at the top of the leaderboard , you can’t expect anything else but play your game and focus on what your doing. If you look at the others too much, I think you are down already.”

One of those who will be searching for her fifth major is Pak, the champion in 2001, who was bitterly disappointed with her finish. And Ward, awaiting her first major championship, quietly went about her business. But all eyes will be on the Swede who will have the chance to set the pace on Sunday.

“I’m very please with the way I played,” said Sorenstam, who admitted she was tired heading into this week.

“It was one of those rounds I didn’t want to end. I’m right where I want to be, to have the chance of winning the British Open, which is why I am here.

“All of the eyes will be on Se Ri and whoever is leading, but I will be playing the holes before they will and I think that is a good thing.”