(Arras, France, June 22 2002) Lynnette Brooky from New Zealand takes a three shot lead over Europe’s potential Solheim Cup team members heading into the final round of the €275,000 Open de Dames France at Golf d’Arras in Northern France.

The 34-year-old from Wellington fired a four under par 68 for a 10 under total to lead four of the most promising players in World women’s golf.

Denmark’s Iben Tinning, who is looking for her third win of 2002, rattled off four birdies and an eagle in her first six holes during her six under 66 to move from deep within the chasing pack.

Spain’s Paula Marti returned a three under par 69 to move into contention for her third Tour win and the French pair of Karine Icher, who could only muster a 71, and Marine Monnet who notched up seven birdies in her 67, joined the group in second place.

Tinning – electric start

Tinning made full use of her pure ball striking and putting to race up the leaderboard with four birdies and an eagle in the first six holes. The 28-year-old from Copenhagen turned in six under par 30 and admitted to thinking about what she had just achieved.

A level par back nine was, in contrast, disappointing, but the Irish and Italian Open winner is on the hunt for her third win of both career and 2002.

“I was thrilled at the start,” said Tinning, one of the biggest hitters on the European Tour.

“Then I got a little scared as I was so many under par, but I thought to myself that I deserved it as I had played well for the first two days.

“Anything can happen tomorrow on this course and if I keep hitting it the way I am doing, I am in with a very good chance.”

Monnet carded seven birdies in her 67 and banished any thoughts about winning, or making this year’s Solheim Cup team, at least until Sunday night.

“I’m not thinking about either yet,” said the 23-year-old from Paris.

“I know what I need to do, but I am very young and there is a lot of time for me to make future Solheim Cup teams. But right now, everything is perfect and I am playing with a good game.

“The crowds help me out here and they make me want to play my best golf, and hopefully, I can do that for them. It’s been a great week so far anyway and I have nothing to lose.”

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