Noh leads AIG Women's British Open after Ryu collapse

Yealimi Noh of the United States seized a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the AIG Women's British Open on Saturday, capitalizing on a dramatic collapse by South Korea's Haeran Ryu, who had been pursuing a historic third consecutive major victory. Noh carded a 2-under 69 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in England to reach 7-under 206, while Ryu's four-shot lead evaporated during a difficult stretch on the back nine.

Ryu, who won the Women's PGA Championship in June and the Evian Championship earlier in July, began the day with a one-stroke lead and extended it with two early birdies. However, her round unraveled with a bogey on the par-5 seventh, the start of five bogeys over an eight-hole span. She finished with a 3-over 74, leaving her in a five-way tie for second place at 4-under 209. Despite the stumble, Ryu remained optimistic, noting she avoided any double bogeys and is still within striking distance. She said her plan for the final round is to keep her ball flight lower and stay out of the course's numerous bunkers.

Noh, a 25-year-old with one LPGA title, took full advantage. After a rocky start, she found her rhythm with three consecutive birdies beginning at...