Rain washes out Saturday’s 3rd round of the LPGA Japan tournament, now reduced to 54 holes
Saitama, Japan – Persistent rain forced the cancellation of Saturday’s third round of the Mitsubishi Estate LPGA Golf Tournament, reducing the event to 54 holes and leaving the field scrambling to adjust their game plans.
The decision to shorten the tournament was made after a long delay and a determination that the weather conditions were unlikely to improve significantly. The remaining 54 players will now complete the tournament on Sunday, with the final round now set to be a single round of play. The weather forecast for Sunday is slightly more favorable, with a chance of showers but less heavy rain than the past two days.
The rain has caused chaos in the leaderboard, with numerous players struggling to navigate the saturated greens and unpredictable conditions. Some players, such as American star Nelly Korda, managed to shoot impressive scores despite the challenging circumstances. Korda holds the current lead at 9 under par, followed by Korean golfer Jin Young Ko at 8 under par.
“It’s definitely not what we planned,” Korda said after her round. “The greens are very soft, and the ball isn’t holding as much as it would in drier conditions. I just had to stay focused and try to adjust to the changing conditions.”
The shortened format presents a new challenge for all the players. Players who were previously aiming to shoot a low score on Sunday now have the opportunity to make a significant leap on the leaderboard with a single strong performance.
Despite the frustrations caused by the weather, the players remain upbeat about the opportunity to complete the tournament and claim victory. The competition remains intense, and the field is prepared for a thrilling finale on Sunday.
The rain, however, has disappointed fans who were eager to watch the third round unfold. Many fans had come from all over the country to attend the tournament, and the sudden cancellation was met with disappointment and frustration. However, many expressed their understanding of the decision given the unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The organizers are working diligently to ensure a smooth and exciting conclusion to the tournament. The final round is expected to begin at the scheduled time, and fans are urged to check for any updates or adjustments in the schedule. Despite the challenges, the Mitsubishi Estate LPGA Golf Tournament promises a memorable finish.
