Jess Hall and Alessia Nobilio refused to be blown completely off track by the gusting winds at Beau Desert to set up an intriguing final day battle for the English Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship.
English hopeful Hall and her Italian playing partner Nobilio will once again be in the final group tomorrow after a tricky day for scoring in the Staffordshire hills.
Hall started day three with a one-shot advantage over her companion but by the end of the round finished locked in a tie for the lead with the Milanese golfer on six-over par.
Hall, from Bishop Auckland, carded a five-over par round of 75 while Nobilio posted a score of 74.
That leaves the top duo one shot clear of West Kent’s Ellie Burdis who can be proud of a fantastic level par round of 70 to remain on +7 for the championship.
English Under 25 champion Hannah Screen (pictured above right with Vanessa Knecht) carded a round of 73 to end on +9 alongside Denmark’s Christina Thouber who saved her day with birdies on 16 and 17 for a score of 75.
At times the wind was gusting over 30mph on a course that is tricky in calm conditions because of the slopes on and around the massive greens.
The later starters had the toughest of the weather and will be relieved to know that the final round should be played in calmer conditions with just a threat of some light afternoon rain.
After a mentally tough day on the course, joint leader Hall said: “It was tough out there but I’m happy to be tied for the lead.
“I saw some of the scoring before we went out and I knew it would be difficult so the idea was to keep going no matter how I was doing.
“No matter the wind direction – into or helping – it was difficult and the change in elevation on so many holes add to the difficulty.
“I had a nice game today with Alessia so hopefully we can enjoy the same tomorrow.”
Despite the obvious quality of both golfers, Alessia’s birdie on 17 was the only one between the pair all afternoon.
Nobilio added: “It was definitely a tough day with the wind and with it playing so differently to other days.
“I had some trouble with my game as well which didn’t help.
“I’m happy that I could stay focused throughout highest round.
“I’ve been working on my technique now for a while and it’s still developing and obviously the wind today did not help.
“For sure it’s a good feeling to be tied for the lead. It was a nice round with Jess today so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
One golfer definitely looking forward to the final round is Burdis.
The Kent golfer bounced back from a double bogey on the eighth hole to play the back nine in two under par for round of 70 – the best score of the day.
Later she admitted: “I’m happy with that – I’d definitely take that in the conditions.
“I holed a 25-footer on 13 and then a three-footer on 14 – at least I holed a couple of putts.
“If you don’t hit fairways and greens you are eyeing up bogeys.”
When asked if tomorrow will bring nerves or excitement, Burdis, who had dad Darren on the bag, added: “A bit of both – it will all come tomorrow when I tee off, let’s see.”
Once again the first group for day four will tee off at 7.30am with the final pairing of Hall and Nobilio due out at 12.50pm.
Photography: Leaderboard
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