Sports

Wie a ways behind Choi at U.S. Women’s Open

Na Yeon Choi was just a kid when Se Ri Pak won the U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in 1998.

After posting one of the best rounds in Open history, Choi is poised to repeat her fellow South Korean’s feat in the same event at the same course.

Choi shot a 7-under 65 yesterday in the third round at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wis., taking control of the tournament.

“I couldn’t believe how I got eight birdies,” Choi said. “I’m very satisfied and I’m very excited.”

Choi’s remarkable round put her at 8-under, giving her a six-stroke lead over another South Korean, Amy Yang. Only four players have posted a lower round in the Open.

As Choi surged despite windy conditions, Michelle Wie faded, shooting a 6-over 78 to fall to 2-over. Wie came into the day a stroke behind second-round leader Suzann Pettersen.

“I’m still not out of it,” Wie said. “Don’t count me out just yet.”

PGA Tour

In White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson shot a 5-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Greenbrier Classic.

Simpson had his second straight bogey-free round to reach 14-under. Troy Kelly was second after a 62. He had hip-replacement surgery in September 2010.

Rookie Charlie Beljan, J.B. Holmes and Ken Duke were 11-under.

Champions Tour

In Pebble Beach, Calif., Tom Kite shot a 3-under 69 for a share of the lead with Brad Bryant after the second round of the First Tee Open.

The 62-year-old Kite won the 1992 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the site of the final round.

European Tour

In Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines, France, David Howell of England shot a 4-under 67 to share the lead with Anders Hansen of Denmark at 6-under after the third round of the French Open.