Maguire posts nine-under 63 as Alexander's lead narrows at Women's Irish Open

Leona Maguire shot a nine-under-par 63 in the third round of the Women's Irish Open at the K Club to move into a tie for sixth place, leaving her seven shots behind overnight leader Casandra Alexander. Maguire's bogey-free round lifted her after two opening rounds of 71.

The leaderboard after round three listed Casandra Alexander (SA) at -18, Sara Kouskova (Cze) at -15, Kajsa Arwefjaell (Swe) at -13, Corinne Viden (Swe) and Louise Rydqvist (Swe) at -12, with Noora Komulainen (Fin) and Leona Maguire (Ire) on -11. Further down were Bianca Navarossa (USA), Linn Pettersson (Swe), Anja Foersterling (Ger), Alessandra Fanali (Ita) and Denise Forbrigd (Nor) at -10; selected others included Anna Dawson (IoM) on -8 and Alexandra Wilson (NI) level.

Maguire birdied nine of the first 15 holes and posted a 31 on the outward nine in a round that contained no bogeys. She recorded successive birdies between the second and fourth holes and again on seven and eight, added further gains on the 10th, 12th, 14th and 15th, and narrowly missed a birdie putt on the 18th that would have produced a 62.

Kajsa Arwefjaell produced a matching 63 to move into third place on 13 under. Corinne Viden and Louise Rydqvist each carded 69s to sit one stroke behind Arwefjaell at 12 under, while Noora Komulainen’s 66 brought her level with Maguire on 11 under.

At 10 under were Bianca Navarossa, Linn Pettersson, Anja Foersterling, Alessandra Fanali and Denise Forbrigd. Anna Foster was the next-best Irish performer on seven under after a 66, and Lily May Humphreys and Hannah Screen led the English contingent on five under.

Heavy rain during the afternoon forced a suspension of play as puddles formed around the County Kildare course. Casandra Alexander, who has led the tournament from day one, shot a 69 to remain in front; Sara Kouskova’s 67 reduced her deficit to three strokes compared with the end of day two.

After the third round, Casandra Alexander holds a three-shot advantage over Sara Kouskova, while Leona Maguire is tied for sixth on 11 under, seven shots adrift of the leader.