THAILAND’S Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong fired a bogey-free nine-under 63 to seize a two-stroke lead on Thursday after the third round of the Kenda Tires Taiwan LPGA Open at the Taichung International Golf Club.
Yvon Bisera remained the best-placed Filipina despite a 73, seven strokes off the pace.
Santiwiwatthanaphong piled up nine birdies to move to 11-under 133, rising from joint 17th to the top spot in the NT$4-million championship co-sanctioned by the Taiwan LPGA Tour and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
Local standout You Chiang Hou, who shared the first-round lead, stayed within striking distance with a 68 for 135, while South Korea’s Seulgi Jeong matched Santiwiwatthanaphong’s fireworks for most of the day, firing a 65 to join Hou at two strokes behind.
Bisera, who had an opening 67, struggled on the par-4 15th hole, missing the fairway three-putting for double bogey.
The Filipina, twice winner on the LPGT this season, slid from share of third to joint 16th at four-under 140.
With her title hopes taking a hit, Bisera knows she will need a strong final round to get back into contention. She expects to do better on the green after logging 32 putts in the third round.
‘I hope I can regain my putting touch,’ Bisera said.
Sarah Ababa recovered with a 70 but remained well back in 20th place at 141. Seoyun Kim carded a 73 for 144 and joint 34th, while Mafy Singson also shot 73 to sit at 145 in a tie for 37th.
Jiwon Lee matched par 72 and moved to 146 for joint 50th as only three Filipinas and two Koreans made it to the final round of the 16th leg of this year’s TLPGA.
The rest of the 20-player LPGT contingent failed to advance to the final round.
Kayla Nocum posted a 73 to finish at 147, Gretchen Villacencio finished at 148 after a 70, while LK Go and Kristine Fleetwood both ended at the same mark after rounds of 73. Rev Alcantara also finished at 148 after a 75.
Velinda Castil carded a 69 but wound up at 149, joined by Harmie Constantino, who shot 74, and amateur Lisa Sarines, who returned a 75.
Chihiro Ikeda finished at 150 after a 78, while Monica Mandario ended at 151 following a 73. Princess Superal also stood at 151 after a 74.
Amateur Mona Sarines posted a 76 for 152, while amateur Isabella Tabanas finished at 157 after a 75. Marvi Monsalve closed with a 76 for 158, and Eunhua Nam struggled to a 79 for 160.