DUBAI - A sensational round of eight-under par 64 lifted England’s Felicity Johnson to a two-shot lead Friday heading into the final round of the tragedy-hit Dubai Ladies Masters.
Play was suspended early Wednesday in the season-ending championship of the Ladies European Tour following the death of caddie Max Zechmann on the course, and the tournament has been reduced to 54 holes.
Johnson, who started the day tied for 47th place after her one-over par 73 Thursday, was bogey-free in a second round that contained eight birdies.
Overnight leader Florentyna Parker, could only finish on even-par 72 after mixing three birdies with three bogeys, but the Englishwoman slipped only one position to second at five-under par.
India’s Aditi Ashok, continued her hot streak as the 18-year-old moved into contention for a third straight title with a second successive two-under par 70. She was tied third at four-under alongside Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen (71).
“It was a beautiful morning out there. It was a great day for golf,” said Johnson, 29, a two-time winner on the LET, who started with four birdies in her first five holes.
“I hit a lot of really close iron shots. I holed out really well with my putts but I had probably seven birdie putts within four feet, so that always makes the game a little bit easier.
“All the ones I hit close, I converted, so just 24 putts. Hitting a lot of good iron shots, you’re going to have a good score.”
Parker - fourth in the Order of Merit but without a win this year - insisted she could snatch victory Saturday.
“The only thing I haven’t done this year is win and that’s all I’m going to do tomorrow. And I’m just going to go for it,” she warned.
Ashok, who made four birdies in five holes in the middle of her round, has won the last two individual LET tournaments, including her home Open.
“Obviously I didn’t play as well on the par 5s as I thought I would. It’s not great, but it was still two-under, so it’s not bad. I’m happy,” she added.
