Miranda Wang stretched her lead at the FM Championship to three strokes after a rain-softened day in Norton, Massachusetts, firing a 7-under 65 to sit at 18-under 198 and in position for her first LPGA victory. The rookie used a flawless round, needing just 24 putts, and capped it with an 8-foot birdie at the 18th.
Wang edged ahead of Sei Young Kim, who had built a morning lead with a 65 in the second round’s late start, and Rose Zhang, who shot 67 to stay within striking distance. Zhang, who claimed her first LPGA title as a pro two years ago, battled through a late push to stay three back despite playing 32 holes on Saturday due to weather delays.
Wang captured the momentum with a birdie on the sixth and didn’t miss a beat after that. She rolled in a 40-foot birdie putt on the 14th and finished the day on a streak of 27 consecutive holes without a bogey. “This is where all the players want to be,” Wang said. “I’m happy I did my job today and hope to keep it going.”
Kim, who looked to be in control after her morning surge, ran into trouble in the afternoon. She failed to get out of the bunker on the par-5 second hole, posting a bogey, and couldn’t get up-and-down on the par-3 third, allowing Wang to seize the lead.
In the mix behind Wang were Rose Zhang, Jeeno Thitikul (65) and Andrea Lee (66), all within four shots of the lead. Nelly Korda, aiming for her first LPGA victory of the year, remained in contention earlier but couldn’t capitalize on the par-5s, finishing nine adrift after rounds of 70 and 70.
Wang, an LPGA rookie, has been part of a remarkable run this season where 22 events have produced 22 different winners, underscoring the depth and unpredictability of the tour this year. She’ll carry a three-shot cushion into the final round, with a chance to cap a breakthrough season with her first LPGA win.
What this means and why it matters:
– Wang’s putting and course management have translated into a rare consistency that’s paying off in a big moment.
– The final round will be a test of nerves for Wang, Kim and the rest of the contenders in a field that has already delivered 22 different winners in as many events.
– Zhang’s persistence through a long day shows her resilience as she seeks another big breakthrough while balancing college commitments.
Summary: Miranda Wang leads the FM Championship by three after a bogey-free 65, leveraging hot putting and strong late-round play to seize control over Kim, Zhang and the rest of a crowded leaderboard. The stage is set for a potentially historic first LPGA victory in Sunday’s final round.
Positive note: The tour’s depth and Wang’s strong finish suggest the season could continue to produce thrilling, up-for-grabs finishes as new champions emerge.
Eager readers might also watch how the weather-delayed schedule shaped Saturday’s strategy, with players like Zhang grinding through 32 holes to stay in contention.
Note: If you’re looking for a takeaway line for social: Wang’s hot putter and late surge could carry her to her first LPGA title in a season already defined by fresh faces winning every week.