Ernst edges ahead of Tseng in weather-hit LPGA

LPGA players endured a frustrating day at the Senator course as multiple weather delays saw the leaders complete just four holes of the LPGA Classic third round.

American Austin Ernst, who started the third round a shot behind 36-hole leader Tseng Ya-ni, had edged ahead through four holes when darkness halted play.

Ernst birdied the par-three second hole to pull level with former world number one Tseng, who fell back with a bogey at the par-four fourth.

But mostly Saturday it was a waiting game as multiple weather delays halted play for a total of five hours.

The tournament was already behind schedule, after a weather delay on Friday saw 31 players have to return early Saturday to complete the second round.

An hour after the third round started, it was suspended because of lighting in the area.

A first attempt to send players back out was thwarted when the severe weather returned, with play finally getting going at 5:00 p.m.

Play was to resume early Sunday, with the final round to follow.

"It's going to be a marathon," said 23-year-old Ernst.

The delays thwarted the hopes of Taiwan's Tseng of building on the momentum of the eight-under par second-round 64 she completed on Friday, which included six birdies and an eagle.

Tseng is seeking her first LPGA title since 2012. During the drought she surrendered the world number one ranking in 2013, and is currently ranked 75th in the world.
Source: AFP