(Biddenden, England July 10 2004) Sweden’s Maria Hjorth takes a two shot lead heading into the final round of the £125,000 Ladies English Open at Chart Hills GC in Kent after carding a second round five under par 67 to tack on to her opening 66.
 |
| Gottmo – in the zone |
“I’ve been playing really well over the last few weeks,” admitted Gottmo.
“It’s only this year that I have had a regular caddie and he’s been excellent for me. I stay focussed more often. I know I can win when I’m playing well and I feel like I’m in the zone more of the time now.”
Mills is looking to add to her 1997 German Open victory and is poised for the final round after notching up five birdies and one bogey for her 68.
“I kept it in play all day and hit a lot of irons close,” said Mills. “It’s been a pretty inconsistent season and I’ve probably missed half of the cuts in events I’ve played in. But I began to play well about six weeks ago and it seems to be coming together.”
Rigon admitted to being very nervous as she climbed the heady heights up the leaderboard. But realising she was just two shots off the lead in search of her maiden win, the 21-year-old from Areignano was in wonderland.
“It’s a dream for me to be in this position,” said Rigon. “I used to go on the course and think negatively, but now I’m thinking much more positively and believe in myself and I don’t get so nervous now.”
Brewerton is has already had three top three finishes this season on Tour and is perfectly positioned to become the first rookie since 2001 to win an event.
“That’s two rounds without dropping a shot, that must be some kind of record for me,” quipped the Welsh star.”
Stupples, the home favourite, will enjoy a good night’s sleep as she aims to win on both sides of the Atlantic this season.
“I’m happy to be in after all the to-ing and fro-ing today,” said Stupples. “It was a rollercoaster day.”
Four players share seventh place on seven under par including Germany’s Anja Monke, who equalled the course record 65, set earlier by Veronica Zorzi from Italy.
Monke endured an almost perfect start with five birdies in her first six holes, adding two more on her back nine to equal the record, set earlier in the day by the Italian, who had five birdies and an eagle to jump into a share of tenth place on six under par.
“It’s the best round of golf I’ve had in my life,” giggled the 27-year-old from Herford.
