Miyu Yamashita extended her commanding lead, while Canadian youngster Aphrodite Deng made significant strides in the rankings during the third round of the CPKC Women’s Open held in Edmonton. Yamashita, representing Japan, delivered a stellar performance with a 5-under-par 65, bringing her total score to 19 under at Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Golf Club. Heading into the final day, she led by six strokes in the $2.75-million US event, aiming for her fourth LPGA victory and second of the season.
Yamashita, aged 25, recovered from a single bogey on the 17th hole by securing a sixth birdie on the 18th, expressing her fondness for the course and her exceptional putting skills. Her 191 total after 54 holes set a new tournament record, with her six-shot lead tying the record for the largest lead at this stage in the tournament.
In pursuit of Yamashita, Gina Kim from the U.S. carded a 6-under 64, while Japan’s Yuri Yoshida posted a 66 to sit at 13 under. Additionally, 16-year-old Deng from Calgary, who was last year’s low amateur in Mississauga, Ont., surged up the leaderboard with the day’s lowest round of 63, reaching 10 under and tying for sixth place.
Deng was among four Canadian females aged 18 and under who made the cut for the CPKC Women’s Open, a first in the tournament’s history. Vancouver’s Anna Huang, along with fellow amateurs Michelle Xing from Richmond Hill, Ont., and Clairey Lin from Langley, B.C., continued their participation into the weekend. Huang, 17, maintained a strong performance with an even 70 to be at 7 under, Xing, 18, posted a 71 to be at 1 under, and Lin, 16, carded a 72 to be at 2 over.
Defending champion Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., demonstrated resilience after a challenging start, finishing at 7 under with a second consecutive round of 68. Despite trailing Yamashita by 12 strokes, Henderson remained optimistic about her performance, aiming for a strong finish in the tournament.
Deng, a Calgary native who moved to the U.S. at a young age, received overwhelming support from the crowd as she navigated a flawless round. Her composed play, especially under pressure, impressed the spectators, and she credited her caddie, 19-year-old Benjamin Reed, for his role in her success.
As the tournament heads into its final day, the weather forecast predicts a temperature of 26C, with a possibility of forest fire smoke before thunderstorms later in the afternoon.