Jul 9, 2023; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Charley Hull walks off the green of the second hole after an eagle putt during the final round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports/File photo
(Reuters) - Charley Hull of England and American Lilia Vu shared the lead at nine under par following a windy third round of the Women's British Open at the Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey, England on Saturday.
Hull finished strong with three birdies on her last four holes for 68, raising hopes of a first home winner since Georgia Hall's victory in 2018, while Vu carded seven birdies and two bogeys for 67.
"It (winning) would be absolutely unbelievable," Hull told Sky Sports. "What Georgia (Hall) done in 2017, or 2018, I can't remember what it was, that was unbelievable.
"To do that again would be unreal. But one step at a time and just go out there and have fun."
Angel Yin and Kim Hyo-joo were one shot back, while American Ally Ewing was two shots off the pace on seven under par going into Sunday's final round.
Ewing had been the overnight leader on 10-under par, but finished on three over after a poor front nine, leaving the door open for her opponents to reel her in.
Current world number one Nelly Korda was among the players to move up the leaderboard, with her 69 leaving her tied ninth.
"I started off pretty well and then on the back nine, I just kind of started making more mistakes with the short stick," Korda said.
"I'll head to the putting green and try to figure it out again. But overall, I would say I moved up on moving day, and conditions were tough and I'll take that."
Frenchwoman Celine Boutier, aiming for a third consecutive win following her triumphs at the Women's Scottish Open and Evian Championship, finished at three-over after a 74.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru)
