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Shaky finish Sakagami clings to Sumitomo VISA lead
Posted: Saturday July 24, 1999 10:54 AM
CHONAN, Japan (AP) -- Harumi Sakagami struggled to a 2-over-par 74 Saturday but still held on to a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Annika Sorenstam and three others going into the final round of the Sumitomo VISA Taieheiyo Club Ladies. Sakagami four-putted from 10 meters (33 feet) and double-bogeyed the closing hole after having three birdies and as many bogeys through the 17th. The round left her at a 4-under 140 total. "I just can't accept it. I had seven putts in the final two holes," a disappointed Sakagami lamented. She three-putted and bogeyed the par-4 17th before encountering trouble on the par-4 final hole. "To forget about the goof, I want to go to bed early tonight." Sakagami is in contention for her first title of the season and second overall in three years as a pro. Sorenstam, winner of the 1998 U.S. LPGA money title, followed her opening 71 with a 2-under 70, scattering three birdies and one bogey over the wind-swept 6,390-yard (5,815-meter), par-72 La Vista Golf Resort course. "It's hard to hit it close in the gusty winds," said Sorenstam. "The greens are dry and fast, and it's going to be difficult if you are on the wrong side of the hole." So far this season, Sorenstam has won one LPGA event, the Michelob Light Classic in St. Louis on July 11. Tied with Sorenstam at 3-under 141 were Aki Takamura, Chieo Nishida and Ayako Shibata. None of the Japanese trio managed to break par, with Takamura shooting a 74 and Nishida and Shibata carding a 73 each. Half of the starting field of 108 survived the cut at 3-over 147. The $500,000 event offers a top prize of $90,000.
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