Charley Hull Seizes Lead at Queen City Championship, Eyes Third LPGA Title
CINCINNATI, OH – EnglandS charley Hull carded a five-under 67 in the third round of the Queen City Championship on Saturday, establishing a one-stroke lead at 16 under par as she pursues her third LPGA Tour victory. The 29-year-old’s round included six birdies and one bogey, positioning her ahead of Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul heading into Sunday’s final round.
Hull’s performance comes as she continues a strong run of form, having finished as runner-up in her previous two tournaments, including last week’s Houston Championship. This event marked her return to competition after recovering from ankle ligament damage sustained in August following a slip in a car park. A win this week would add to her previous LPGA triumphs in 2016 and 2022, and perhaps avenge a play-off loss at the 2023 Queen City Championship.
Japanese players Chisato Iwai and Miyu yamashita share third place at 14 under, while American two-time major winner Nelly Korda and england’s Lottie Woad remain within striking distance at 13 and 12 under, respectively. Overnight leader Chanettee Wannasaen struggled with a three-over 75, falling to 10 under and a tie for 20th.
Hull’s Saturday performance built upon an extraordinary seven-under 65 in round two. A single bogey on the par-three fifth was the only mark on her scorecard, offset by four birdies on the back nine.
Queen City Championship – Third Round Leaderboard
* -16: Hull (Eng)
* -15: Thitikul (Tha)
* -14: Yamashita, Iwai (both Jpn)
* -13: Korda, Noh (both US), Liu (Chn), pagdanganan (Phi)
* -12: Cowan (Ger), Kim (Kor), stark (Swe), Woad (Eng), Ruffels (Aus)