Miyu Yamashita extended her substantial lead, while Canadian newcomer Aphrodite Deng made a significant leap in rankings on Saturday at the CPKC Women’s Open in Edmonton. Yamashita from Japan carded an impressive 5-under-par 65 in the third round, bringing her total to 19 under for the tournament at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Golf Club. With a six-stroke advantage heading into Sunday, the 25-year-old is aiming for her fourth LPGA victory and second this season.
Yamashita finished strong with a sixth birdie on the 18th hole after a lone bogey on the 17th, expressing her fondness for the course and her exceptional putting skills. Her 54-hole score of 191 set a new tournament record, and her six-shot lead matched the record for the largest 54-hole lead.
Meanwhile, Gina Kim of the U.S. shot a 6-under 64 and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida posted a 66, trailing Yamashita at 13 under. The standout performance of the day came from 16-year-old Calgary native Aphrodite Deng, who shot a remarkable 63 to reach 10 under and secure a tied sixth position.
Deng was among four Canadian female golfers aged 18 and under who made the cut at the CPKC Women’s Open, marking a first for the tournament. Vancouver’s Anna Huang, as well as amateurs Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Clairey Lin from Langley, B.C., continued their strong performances over the weekend.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., recovered from early setbacks to finish strong at 7 under, trailing Yamashita by 12 strokes. Henderson, a two-time tournament winner, expressed determination to end the event on a high note.
The final round on Sunday is expected to have a high of 26°C with some forest fire smoke before possible thunderstorms later in the day.