Shin in front at Mizuno Classic

Nov 8, 2008 - 7:56 PM By Andrew Both PA SportsTicker Golf Writer

SHIMA SHI, Japan (Ticker) -- British Open champion Ji-Yai Shin was grateful to escape to the Mizuno Classic in Japan after being worn out by the media attention at last week's LPGA event in her native Korea.

Shin certainly looked at ease Saturday as she shrugged off chilly conditions and intermittent drizzle to card a bogey-free 6-under-par 66 at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club.

She hit every fairway and drained six birdies for a 10-under 134 total, leaving her in first place heading into Sunday's final round of the $1.4 million event - which is co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Japan LPGA Tours.

Japan's Mayu Hattori, the first round co-leader, stayed in the hunt with a 69 and sits alone in second place at 8-under, with Korean Jee Young Lee and Japan's Shiho Oyama tied for third at 7-under.

Shin, 20, is a superstar at home, and she was obligated to do so many interviews at last week's Kolon Championship that she barely had time to practice.

A birdie at the uphill par-4 15th was the highlight of Shin's round. She hit a nicely judged 6-iron from 155 yards that settled six inches from the cup.

Not to be outdone, fellow competitor Oyama struck an even better shot, her ball stopping on the edge of the cup, less than an inch from an unlikely eagle.

Shin, who two weeks ago completed the Korean Grand Slam by winning the three major tournaments on her home tour, has a chance Sunday to post a second LPGA victory, little more than three months after winning the British Open.

Hattori, who posted her maiden victory on the JLPGA Tour last week, stayed in the hunt for another win, overcoming a nervous start that included two bogeys on the front nine.

First prize is $210,000.