Rio Takeda takes a 2-shot lead into ultimate spherical of LPGA match in China

SANYA, China — Rio Takeda of Japan shot a 3-under 69 on Saturday to carry a two-shot lead after 3 rounds of the LPGA’s Blue Bay event on China’s southern island of Hainan.Takeda was once on 9-under 207 going into Sunday’s ultimate spherical.The 21-year-old Takeda is on the lookout for her 2d LPGA event victory after successful the Toto Japan Vintage 4 months in the past in a six-hole, sudden-death playoff.Takeda was once two photographs forward of Gigi Stoll, Auston Kim and Cassie Porter. Stoll shot a 68, Kim completed with a 70 and Porter was once on even-par 72.Jeeno Thitikul, the LPGA’s No. 2-ranked participant, was once 3 photographs again in a gaggle of 4 avid gamers. She shot a 68.Native favourite Ruoning Yin of China shot a 71 however was once 10 photographs off the tempo. Yin is the LPGA’s No. 4-ranked participant.