PRO GOLF roundup


March 24, 2019 at 12:00a.m.

European

Nacho Elvira creeps in on Maybank title

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia

Nacho Elvira took a big step towards clinching a first European Tour title after he fired a 6-under-par 66 for a two-shot advantage over David Lipsky after the third round at the Maybank Championship on Saturday.

Elvira has been on song since the opening round where he joint-led the standings, and the Spaniard maintained that consistency with seven birdies to reach 13-under in sweltering conditions at the Saujana Golf & Country Club.

Australia’s Scott Hend, Maximilian Kieffer of Germany and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond are in a tie for third at 10-under, with Ernie Els a further shot back.

Despite his lead and form going into the final round, Elvira was not thinking about a breakthrough European Tour victory just yet.

“It would be great to start here (winning on the European Tour) but I really don’t think about it too much,” Elvira said. “I like the way I’ve turned round my season a little bit. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

Lipsky shot a 67 to reach 12-under and the American could have done better if not for two bogeys on holes 5 and 17.

Surprise package Danny Masrin who came into the round tied for second, faltered with four bogeys and a double bogey to slide out of contention.

LPGA

Yu Liu takes 1-shot lead in Founder Cup

PHOENIX

Yu Liu played the final four holes in 4 under Saturday for a 7-under 65 and the third-round lead in the Founders Cup.

The 23-year-old Chinese player eagled the par-5 15th and birdied the par-3 17th and par-4 18th to reach 19-under 197 at Desert Ridge in the event that honors the 13 women who founded the LPGA Tour.

Tied for the lead with top-ranked Sung Hyun Park entering the round, Liu had a one-stroke lead over Carlota Ciganda. Trying to become the second former Arizona State player to win the event in three years, Ciganda shot 63, playing the final five holes in 5 under with an eagle and three birdies.

Angel Yin was 16 under after a 66. Park had a 69 to get to 15 under.

Associated Press