Ryu and Saigo Set Stage for Dramatic Chevron Championship Showdown
Stars poised to pen fairy-tale finishes as Sunday suspense looms in Texas
Seoul, Korea - At the tranquil yet testing Nicklaus Course at Carlton Woods, two of golf’s brightest stars, Haeran Ryu and Mao Saigo, stand shoulder-to-shoulder atop the leaderboard after a captivating third round at the 2025 Chevron Championship. Both players ended the day at nine-under, promising a final round that's shaping up to be a heart-stopping finish.
Haeran Ryu surged with the day's lowest round, a masterful 68 that included a sensational streak of four consecutive birdies. Her majestic drives averaged an eye-catching 288 yards, showcasing both grace and power. "Last year, I let nerves get the best of me," Ryu admitted, recalling her 2024 stumble from the lead. "This time, I'm staying calm, taking my time, and enjoying every moment."
Alongside her, Mao Saigo crafted an impeccable third-round 69, threading every fairway with pinpoint accuracy—a perfect 14 out of 14. The Japanese star, famed for her serenity under pressure, is embracing her first final-group appearance at a major. "I will focus one shot at a time," Saigo shared with a gentle smile, "and keep my mind as steady as my swing."
Just a stroke behind, Lindy Duncan remains firmly in contention after a flawless, bogey-free 70, a rarity on such a challenging day. Her composed performance hints at quiet confidence, a critical asset as she seeks her maiden victory in a major championship. "This weekend has already marked a huge moment in my career," Duncan acknowledged, "but there's still more to play for."
Within striking distance, the steady Sarah Schmelzel and China's Yan Liu, buoyed by her astonishing second-round albatross, both linger dangerously close, two strokes off the pace. Further back, Lexi Thompson, the 2014 champion, eyes a historic comeback, aiming to bridge an 11-year gap between major triumphs.
As the sun rises over Texas, anticipation builds. Will Ryu’s raw power and learned composure prevail, or will Saigo’s calm precision script her own historic chapter? With the backdrop set, golf fans are in for a treat—Sunday at The Chevron promises nothing short of magic.