Yin closes gap on leader Choi to two shots at LPGA Shanghai

SHANGHAI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Yin Ruoning fired a bogey-free 5-under 67 on Saturday to move within two strokes of leader Choi Hye-jin of South Korea heading into the final round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai.

Yin, the 2024 champion, made five birdies to climb to third place at 7-under 209, while Choi maintained her lead for the third consecutive day with a 69 that left her at 9-under 207.

Choi holds a one-shot advantage over compatriot Amy Yang, who sits second at 8-under 208.

Choi made four birdies on the front nine but struggled with her driving after the turn, dropping a shot at the 15th hole.

"My approach shots were good on the front nine, and I took advantage of many opportunities. But on the back nine, my tee shots kept finding the rough," Choi said.

"There will be a lot of spectators tomorrow, and I'll keep working hard to try to win my first LPGA Tour title."

Yin credited an adjustment to her putter for her improved performance after struggling on the greens during the opening two rounds.

"My putting wasn't in good shape over the first two rounds, and I missed a lot of short putts," she said. "After finishing yesterday's round, I realized there was an issue with the angle of my putter, so I went to the club-fitting workshop to have it adjusted. Things felt much smoother today."

Yin won the FM Championship earlier this season for her sixth LPGA Tour title, ending a title drought of nearly two years.

She also enjoyed success at the Asian Games in Nagoya earlier this month, taking silver in the women's individual event and helping China claim its first Asian Games golf gold in the women's team competition.

The 2024 Shanghai champion said she would focus on her own performance rather than the prospect of another home victory.

"Of course, it would be great if I could win the title. But if I play to my ability and don't end up winning, I won't have any regrets," Yin said.

Yin will play alongside Choi and Yang in Sunday's final group, setting up a three-way battle for the title.

"I've played quite a few tournaments with both of them, and Choi and I even share the same putting coach," Yin said. "They're both experienced and great players, so tomorrow will definitely be an exciting battle."