Miyu Yamashita extended her commanding lead, while Canadian young talent Aphrodite Deng made a significant climb up the rankings on Saturday at the CPKC Women’s Open held in Edmonton. Yamashita of Japan delivered an impressive 5-under-par 65 in the third round, reaching a total score of 19 under at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. With a six-stroke advantage heading into the final day, Yamashita aimed for her fourth LPGA victory and second win of the season.
The 25-year-old bounced back from a lone bogey on the 17th hole by securing a crucial sixth birdie on the 18th. Expressing her fondness for the course, Yamashita praised her putting performance, emphasizing her confidence. Her 191 total after 54 holes set a new tournament record, with her six-shot lead equalling the record for the largest 54-hole lead in the event’s history.
Meanwhile, Gina Kim from the U.S. carded a 6-under 64, and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida posted a 66 to trail Yamashita at 13 under. Sixteen-year-old Calgary native Aphrodite Deng, last year’s low amateur in Mississauga, delivered an outstanding round of 63, propelling her to 10 under and a share of the sixth position.
Deng was among four Canadian female players aged 18 and under who made the cut at the CPKC Women’s Open for the first time in the tournament’s history. Vancouver’s Anna Huang, as well as fellow amateurs Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Clairey Lin from Langley, B.C., continued their strong performance into the weekend.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., recovered impressively after a challenging start, posting a 1-over at the turn but rallying with three consecutive birdies on the back nine to finish at 7 under. Despite trailing Yamashita by 12 strokes, Henderson remained optimistic about her chances and aimed for a strong finish.
As the tournament heads towards the final day, the weather forecast predicts a temperature of 26C with some forest fire smoke, potentially followed by thunderstorms in the late afternoon.