Skarpnord’s big lead at Vic women’s golf

A good night’s sleep might be all that is standing between Marianne Skarpnord and victory in the women’s Vic Open.

The Norwegian golfer will take a three-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round at Thirteenth Beach after birdieing the final hole on Saturday for a five-under-par 68 and a three-round total of 13-under 206.

She sits three strokes clear of Scotland’s Holly Clyburn (69), with Su Oh the leading Australian in outright third place on 210 after carding a one-under 72 on Saturday.

Skarpnord is the fiancee of Australian Richard Green, who is also right in contention in the men’s event.

The pair have recently bought a house at the Thirteenth Beach complex, although it is yet to be fully furnished.

Skarpnord is surprised to be playing so well in her first tournament since breaking her wrist in November.

Jetlag has also been an issue.

“I played really well from 10 to 14 today and then, on 15, I could feel that I was really tired,” said the Ladies European Tour star.

“It was almost just about surviving for me then.

“But then I finished up with a birdie which I was really happy with.

“Now I’m going to sleep from about nine tonight until nine tomorrow morning.”

First-round leader Sally Watson from Scotland had a remarkable round of level-par 73 including three eagles, two birdies, four bogeys and two double bogeys to be in a tie for fourth with Australian amateur Shelly Shin at eight under.

Shin shot a third straight sub-par round on Saturday.

There was a late finish after play was suspended for 75 minutes midway through the afternoon due to lightning.

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