England’s Gabriella Cowley fired a third-round 67 to take a one-shot lead at 6-under into the final day of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational Presented by AVIV Clinics.
The Englishwoman, who has yet to win on the LET, started the day two shots behind overnight leader Marissa Steen and fired seven birdies and two bogeys at Galgorm to move to the top of the leaderboard.
“Obviously, it’s great. Today was just a really good day. I felt really in control and just really enjoyed it.
“I thought the course setup today was great. There is still rain and wind, but it just wasn’t as severe, and the course wasn’t playing as tough and as long. The rough just seemed to actually not settle down as much. It’s still thick, but it just didn’t seem to nestle down as much today. There were a few more birdie chances today.
“It’s what we wish for to lead a tournament and things we want to do as much as we can, so I think I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m playing well, so just see what happens.
“I quite like playing against the guys and being at the same venues as them. I feel like I can learn quite a lot from them, and just understanding what sort of shots they like to play and how they do things. These weeks are a bit more open minded and a bit more relaxed.”
Ryann O’Toole of the United States and Germany’s Esther Henseleit share second place at 5-under after rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.
“I definitely feel like my game is trending,” said O’Toole. “I noticed it the last couple weeks. Things are starting to fall into place, I’m very consistent with the things I’ve been working on.
“It’s just been getting the confidence up there, there is not a lot of erratic shots, so it’s been really good. I like shotmaking. I think every hole is different. You have to work the ball. I really like that.
“From tee to green you have to play shots. Here you got a lot of crosswinds so you really have to commit to shots and kind of just take it as it comes and be really patient. There is lot of scorable holes out there. I feel like I didn’t capitalize on some of those shorter, pushed-up tees, but I stayed patient, and it worked out.”
Switzerland’s Kim Metraux carded a 69 and lies in solo fourth place at 4-under.
The second cut fell at 4-over with 38 players making it through to the final day at Galgorm.
