ANALYSIS: JAPANESE STAR A. MIYAZATO LEADS OUR TOP 10 BEST PERFORMANCES AT EVIAN MASTERS

There were several top-notch performances during the $3.25 million Evian Masters, some standing out more than others at the picturesque event held in southeastern France.

Here are our Top 10 performances from this year's tournament:

1. AI MIYAZATO

68-68-67-70 - 273 (1)

Country: Japan

World ranking: 6th

Finally, it all came together when it counted most. Miyazato played near flawless golf for four rounds, hitting clutch shots at the most critical times over the weekend and fending off her foes when they were breathing down her neck. And for her efforts, the highly popular Japanese sports icon was rewarded with her first win of the season. Miyazato's win shouldn't have surprised anyone. She already had a victory under her belt at the Evian Masters, earning the 2009 title. Miyazato was also coming off an impressive U.S. Women's Open, where she battled her way to a share of sixth place. And now comes the Women's British Open, an event where Miyazato has had a ton of success during her illustrious career. She has finished no worse than 11th place in five of the last six WBOs, giving her the confidence and realistic goal of winning consecutive titles.

2. STACY LEWIS

69-67-69-70 - 275 (2)

Country: United States

World ranking: 11th

Twitter: @Stacy_Lewis

The American star put together another beautiful week of golf at the Evian Masters, taking second place at the highly competitive tournament in southeastern France. Lewis was in the hunt for the crown deep into the tournament, as she battled eventual winner Miyazato on the back nine for the tournament hardware. Lewis came up just a bit short, but should be pleased with her play and continued success this season heading into this week's Women's British Open. Lewis, who won her first major title at the Kraft Nabisco Championship earlier this season, now has six top-10 finishes in 12 starts and hopes to improve off her tie for 31st place at last year's Women's British Open.

3. I.K. KIM

74-68-64-70 - 276 (T3)

Country: South Korea

World ranking: 7th

There isn't a more consistent player on the tour this season than Kim. After a dismal 2-over-par 74 to open things Thursday at the Evian Masters, Kim clawed her way back with a 4-under 68 Friday and followed that up with a tournament-best 8-under 64 on Saturday to put her in contention. Kim's 64 was just one stroke off from tying the event's record low of 63, set by Helen Alfredsson during her 2008 tournament win. Kim is more than due to win her first title of the season and first major championship of her career. The South Korean star has seven Top 10s in 10 events and has finished no worse than 15th in stroke-play tournaments (she earned a share of 17th in the Sybase Match Play Championship). Kim took a share of third last year in the Women's British Open and looks to improve on that effort at Carnoustie.

4. ANGELA STANFORD

70-66-69-70 - 276 (T3)

Country: United States

World ranking: 18th

Twitter: @Angela_Stanford

Stanford continued her brilliant play this season, proving she is a contender week in, week out on the tour. The American standout finished in a tie for third following her fourth-place finish at the U.S. Women's Open at The Broadmoor in Colorado. Stanford, who used a 6-under 66 to get in the mix Friday at the Evian Masters, has six top-10 finishes this year already and is primed to pick up her first win of the season. A true model of consistency on the course, Stanford could pick her first title this week in Scotland.

5. SUZANN PETTERSEN

73-67-69-68 - 277 (T6)

Country: Norway

World ranking: 3rd

Twitter: @suzannpettersen

Talk about a week of high and extreme lows. Pettersen opened with a disappointing round of 73 at the Evian Masters, but that wasn't the hardest part of her tournament. The Norwegian star was emotionally sacked and devastated during the event following news of the terrorist attacks that led to the senseless murders/deaths of nearly 100 people - many of whom were children - in her native land. However, showing a true sense of focus, Pettersen carried her heavy heart back on the course with a stellar weekend to work her way into a tie for sixth place. Pettersen, ranked third in the Rolex world rankings, is one of our picks going into this week's British Open.

6. MORGAN PRESSEL

71-69-69-68 - 277 (T6)

Country: United States

World ranking: 12th

We aren't sure if there has been a more quiet top-10 finish on the tour this season than the one Pressel put together in France. The American star got better as the week went on, picking up a piece of sixth place and some major confidence heading into the Women's British Open. Pressel, who has five top-10s this year so far, will be a dangerous player this week at Carnoustie and could pick up her first win of the season. She always plays well at the majors, including a tie for third at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and runner-up effort at the Wegmans LPGA Championship. Keep an eye on Pressel this week as she pursues her second major title.

7. MIKA MIYAZATO

71-68-68-71 - 279 (T9)

Country: Japan

World ranking: 22nd

Twitter: @mikachin1010

Our pick to win the Evian Masters going into the tournament, Miyazato played consistently throughout the tournament to earn a share of ninth place in her fourth top-10 finish of the 2011 season. Miyazato bookended rounds of 71 around two sizzling 68s, keeping her in contention throughout the event. Miyazato is primed for a victory this season as she continues to impress with her steady play. Look for continued success from the "other" Miyazato in the second of the LPGA Tour campaign.

8. MIKI SAIKI

68-68-67-70 - 273 (1)

Country: Japan

World ranking: 21st

Miki who? Plenty of people were asking that question after Saiki stormed out of the gate with back-to-back 68s to take the lead going into the weekend action. Saiki might not be known in the United States, but she is widely regarded as one of the best in Asia. The standout is one of the top players on the Japan LPGA Tour and sits at 21st in the official Rolex world rankings.

9. ANNA NORDQVIST

77-68-69-67 - 281 (T17)

Country: Sweden

World ranking: 30th

Twitter: @ANordqvist

From flirting with missing the cut to dominating the course on the weekend, the feisty Swede arguably put together the comeback of this year's tournament. Nordqvist opened with a brutal, 5-over 77 to put her in a tie for 99th place, but she would rally to play the final 54 holes at 12 under to crack the top 20 and earn a share of 17th place. Nordqvist, one of our favorites at LPGA Tour Live, should ride that momentum into this week's Women's British Open and be one to watch. She broke into our weekly Top-20 player rankings and currently sits 30th in the latest Rolex world standings.

10. PAIGE MACKENZIE

71-72-70-69 - 282 (T21)

Country: United States

World ranking: 121st

Twitter: @Paige_Mackenzie

Mackenzie had one Hell of a week in France. The University of Washington product didn't even know if she would make the Evian Masters field prior to heading overseas, but that didn't stop her from putting up one of her best performances of the year. Mackenzie kept her own yardage book for the first time in ages and, needless to say, she want to think about doing the same thing at the Women's British Open. She fired a final-round 69, vaulting her earnings to $132,220 for the season. Mackenzie has five top-25 finishes in eight events in the 2011 campaign.

- Jeremy Pond, LPGA Tour Live

- Photos courtesy of Getty Images

POND: PREDICTION RECAP FROM EVIAN MASTERS

MIKA MIYAZATO

EVIAN MASTERS PREDICTED/ACTUAL ORDER OF FINISH:

Winner: Mika Miyazato ... Finish: Tied for 9th
Runner-up: Morgan Pressel ... Finish: Tied for 6th
Third: I.K. Kim ... Finish: Tied for 3rd
Fourth: Jiyai Shin ... Finish: Tied for 17th

Fifth: Cristie Kerr ... Finish: Tied for 21st

Next five finishers:

Sixth: Suzann Pettersen ... Finish: Tied for 6th

Seventh: Meena Lee ... Finish: Tied for 44th

Eighth: Yani Tseng ... Finish: Tied for 12th

Ninth: Song-Hee Kim ... Finish: Tied for 50th

Tenth: Ai Miyazato ... Finish: Champion

- Jeremy Pond, LPGA Tour Live
- Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: CHAMPION MIYAZATO HIGHLIGHTS STELLAR SHOWING FROM OUR TOP-10 TOURNEY SELECTIONS

AI MIYAZATO

Women of professional golf beware. Ai Miyazato is going to be tough to beat the remainder of the season.

The Japanese and world star played her best golf of the 2011 campaign this week, en route to her second Evian Masters crown over the past three years in picturesque southeastern France.

Miyazato paced our top-10 contenders in what turned out to be a superb showing from the group. Five finished ninth or better, including South Korean standout I.K. Kim earning a share of third place. American Morgan Pressel and Norway's Suzann Pettersen each took home a piece of sixth place.

Mika Miyazato, our pick to win the tournament, earned a tie for ninth place to close out another nice showing after her back-to-back, top-10 finishes at the U.S. Women's Open (fifth) and the Wegmans LPGA Championship (tied for eighth) at the previous two events.

South Korea's Hee Kyung Seo, runner-up at this year's U.S. Women's Open, was the lone player from our top-10 picks to miss the cut at the tournament.

Take a look at how the overall group fared this week at the Evian Masters:

AI MIYAZATO

Finish: Champion (-15, 273)

Scoring by rounds: 68-68-67-70
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 19th (-5)

I.K. KIM

Finish: Tied for 3rd (-12, 276)

Scoring by rounds: 74-68-64-70
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 43rd (Even)

MORGAN PRESSEL

Finish: Tied for 6th (-11, 277)
Scoring by rounds: 71-69-69-68
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 2nd (-13)

SUZANN PETTERSEN

Finish: Tied for 6th (-11, 277)

Scoring by rounds: 73-67-69-68
2010 Evian Masters finish: Fifth (-12)

MIKA MIYAZATO

Finish: Tied for 9th (-10, 278)

Scoring by rounds: 71-68-68-71
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 6th (-10)

YANI TSENG

Finish: Tied for 12th (-9, 279)

Scoring by rounds: 69-73-68-69
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 11th (-7)

PAULA CREAMER

Finish: Tied for 14th (-8, 280)

Scoring by rounds: 70-67-72-71
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 37th (-1)

JIYAI SHIN

Finish: Tied for 17th (-7, 281)

Scoring by rounds: 69-69-70-73
2010 Evian Masters finish: Champion (-14)

CRISTIE KERR

Finish: Tied for 21st (-6, 282)

Scoring by rounds: 73-73-71-73

2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 31st (-2)

HEE KYUNG SEO

Finish: Missed cut

Scoring by rounds: 73-75
2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 74th (+7)

- Jeremy Pond, LPGA Tour Live
- Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: SOUTH KOREAN STAR SEO HEADLINES OUR TEN BEST IN TOP-NOTCH EVIAN MASTERS FIELD

HEE KYUNG SEO

Here are the 10 players who should be in contention Sunday during the Evian Masters at Evian Masters Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France:

HEE KYUNG SEO

* Last tournament: Tied for 1st (lost in playoff) at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 74th (+7)

PAULA CREAMER

* Last tournament: Tied for 15th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 37th (-1)

JIYAI SHIN

* Last tournament: Tied for 10th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Champion (-14)

SUZANN PETTERSEN

* Last tournament: Tied for 15th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Fifth (-12)

AI MIYAZATO

* Last tournament: Tied for 6th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 19th (-5)

CRISTIE KERR

* Last tournament: Third at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 31st (-2)

YANI TSENG

* Last tournament: Tied for 15th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 11th (-7)

MIKA MIYAZATO

* Last tournament: Fifth at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 6th (-10)

I.K. KIM

* Last tournament: Tied for 10th at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 43rd (Even)

MORGAN PRESSEL

* Last tournament: Tied for 21st at the U.S. Women's Open

* 2010 Evian Masters finish: Tied for 2nd (-13)

- Jeremy Pond, LPGA Tour Live
- Photo courtesy of Getty Images

ANALYSIS: SOUTH KOREAN STANDOUTS RYU, SEO LEAD OUR TOP EFFORTS AT THE U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN

Impressive showings from several players were recorded during the lengthy U.S. Women's Open last week at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., some standing out more than others during the grueling event.

Here are our Top 10 performances from this year's tournament:

1. SO-YEON RYU

74-69-69-69 - 281 (1)

Country: South Korea

World ranking: 21st

Twitter: @1Miss_R

Ryu has lived much her life in the playing shadows of her fellow countrywomen. Players like Seo, Jiyai Shin, I.K. Kim and former U.S. Women's Open champion Eun-Hee Ji have always been in the spotlight. But now, they need to make room for the latest shining star to join the elite group. Ryu was simply magical last week at the The Broadmoor's East Course, carving it up for three consecutive rounds of 3-under-par 69 to go along with her opening 2-over 74 en route to her first major championship. The 21-year-old college student back home in South Korea displayed impeccable concentration and brilliance when it counted most to defeat chief rival Seo in a three-hole, aggregate playoff Monday to close out the win. Ryu needed a birdie on the 18th hole to close the final round and force the extra holes, then put away Seo with consecutive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to stun the tournament field. Ryu isn't a full-time player on the LPGA Tour, due to the fact she is pursuing her degree and playing on the Korean LPGA Tour. Ryu is a player the LPGA Tour desperately needs playing in its tournaments on a weekly basis. Hopefully, a full-time move move to the biggest and most lucrative women's professional tour in the world comes sooner than later for the sport's newest star.

2. HEE KYUNG SEO

72-73-68-68 - 281 (2)

Country: South Korea

World ranking: 20th

One putt. One hole. It is kind of hard to pin your success or failure on one hole at a tournament, but that's exactly what happened late in Sunday's final round of the U.S. Women's Open. The South Korean star had the major championship in her grasp, but a three-putt bogey on the 17th hole left her clinging to a one-shot lead with eventual champion So-Yeon Ryu still on the course. Ryu would go on to birdie the 18th, thus forcing a three-hole, aggregate playoff with Seo, and win the tournament. Seo was simply magical over the final 36 holes, posting back-to-back rounds of 4-under 68 to put herself on top. Her consistent driving and precision putting were her bread and butter throughout the event, making her fun to watch as she chased her first major title and second victory overall after winning the 2010 Kia Classic as a non-tour member. The LPGA Tour sorely needs players who are skilled, yet marketable, at the same time. And Seo easily fits in that group already featuring the likes of Creamer, Wie and top-ranked player Yani Tseng. She is a potential top-five player and will be heard from consistently for months and years to come.

3. CRISTIE KERR

71-72-69-71 - 283 (3)

Country: United States

Ranking: 2nd

Twitter: @TheCristieKerr

Love her or hate her, there is no disputing the fact Kerr is our country's best and only week-in, week-out Amrican threat to enter the winner's circle. The world's No. 2-ranked player held a piece of the third-round lead at 1 under, but an even-par 72 combined with huge efforts from champion So-Yeon Ryu and runner-up Hee Kyung Seo in the final round resulted in her settling for third place. Kerr has become somewhat of a hard-luck loser this seaosn, winding up in the top four in seven of the past nine tournaments, including three second-place showings.The two-time major champion has yet to win in 2011, but we feel that will change and could come at the Women's British Open. Kerr is going to be a tournament favorite, having finished no worse than a tie for eighth place in four of the past five Women's British Open events.

4. ANGELA STANFORD

72-70-70-72 - 284 (4)

Country: United States

World ranking: 19th

Twitter: @Angela_Stanford

One of our favorite players, the American veteran has been on a roll as of late. The Texas Christian University product has five top-10 finishes in her last nine outings and was in contention for the win all weekend long in Colorado. Stanford wound up alone in fourth place, pushing her 2011 earnings over $500,000 and career money to almost $6 million. A true grinder, Stanford has shown she is still capable of big things and a victory this season would be no surprise.

5. RYANN O'TOOLE

69-72-75-71 - 287 (9)

Country: United States

World ranking: 121st

Move over, Paula Creamer. You have company on the American women's golf scene. One of the most promising U.S. golfers to come along since Creamer, Morgan Pressel and Michelle Wie, the LPGA and LPGA Futures Tour member contended for three rounds and wound up alone in ninth place during her Open debut. Her performance also earned her exemption into next year's U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin. With America's future hopes of success resting on the shoulders of Creamer and Pressel, the door is open for O'Neill to join the party.

6. KARRIE WEBB

70-73-72-71 - T6 (286)

Country: Australia

World ranking: 9th

The two-time U.S. Women's Open champion (2001, 2002) and winner of seven majors lifetime continued to show she can play with the young guns of the tour, finishing in a tie for sixth place after four consistent rounds. One of the LPGA Tour's legends and member of the elite group of players to complete the career Grand Slam, Webb will chase her fourth Women's British Open crown later this month and add more tournament hardware to her Hall of fame shelves.

7. INBEE PARK

71-73-70-72 - 286 (T6)

Country: South Korea

World ranking: 12th

The youngest champion in U.S. Women's Open history has been model of consistency at the tournament, finishing no worse than a share of eighth place in four of the past five years. The 2008 champion, who played collegiately at UNLV, has been impressive in her last three tournaments on this year's LPGA Tour, finishing tied for ninth at the Sybase Match Play Championship and also earning a piece of 14th at the Wegmans LPGA Championship. Park, who moved to the United States as a youth, is a dangerous player weekly and should have more than one win under belt. That said, we won't be surprised if victory number two comes sooner than later.

8. MIKA MIYAZATO

70-67-76-72 - 285 (5)

Country: Japan

World ranking: 24th

Twitter: @Mikachin1010

Talk about a bittersweet tournament for the Japanese star. Miyazato rocketed the U.S. Women's Open lead, firing an event-low, 5-under 67 in the second round for a one-stroke edge over countrywoman Ai Miyazato at the halfway point. However, a nasty 76 in the third round knocked her out of first and she never completely recovered to get back in the mix. It was hard to not pull for Miyazato, who is donating all her major-tournament winnings to the Japan tsunami relief causes. Miyazato has had a strong campaign and we expect her to reach the winner's circle this season.

9. CHELLA CHOI

71-76-70-72 - 289 (T13)

Country: South Korea

World ranking: 111th

Twitter: @ChellaChoi

Not one of the more well-known golfers in the South Korean contingent, Choi made it clear she's ready to change that after her impressive effort this week in Colorado. Like Stupples, Choi flirted with the cut line in the opening rounds, but turned it around by playing the final 36 holes at 2 under and wound up taking a share of 13th place. Consistency has been an issue for Choi, but if she straightens things out, expect to see her among the leaders each week on tour.

10. KAREN STUPPLES

72-77-73-68 - 290 (T15)

Country: England

World ranking: 71st

Twitter: @Kstupples

The savvy Brit put together a solid weekend, highlighted by her final-round 68 en route to a share of 15th place at the U.S. Women's Open. Stupples just made the tournament cut and rallied her way to an impressive finish. Her 68 tied for Sunday's low round with Open runner-up Hee Kyung Seo. Expect big things from Stupples as the tour makes its annual journey overseas.

- Photos courtesy of Getty Images

KERR AMONG TRIO IN FRONT AFTER THREE ROUNDS

CRISTIE KERR

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Cristie Kerr, So Yeon Ryu and Angela Stanford were the only players in red numbers after three rounds of the U.S. Women's Open, heading into the final round of a 36-hole Sunday leading at 1-under par.

Kerr and Ryu each shot 2-under 69 in the third round and Stanford shot 70.

The leader coming into the day, Mika Miyazato, shot 5-over 76 and was a shot behind at even, a shot ahead of Ai Miyazato, who also shot 75.

Also at even was Hee Kyung Seo after the day's low round of 68.

Top-ranked Yani Tseng shot 71 in the third round then, after a quick turnaround, made two birdies over the first three holes of the final round to get to 2 over for the tournament.

- Story courtesy of Gannett News Service

M. MIYAZATO ON TOP AT U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN

MIKA MIYAZATO

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For months now, the battered country of Japan has been looking for a lift.

By using her blossoming golf game as a tool for charity, 21-year-old Mika Miyazato could turn the U.S. Women's Open into the feel-good story her country seeks – and back it with some cold, hard cash.

Miyazato shot 67 to grab the lead at 5-under-par 137 at the halfway point at the Broadmoor on Saturday, where rain once again stopped play early and brought up the prospect of a grueling, 36-hole Sunday.

She had a one-shot lead over Ai Miyazato – who is not related but is from the same city, Okinawa. When the Miyazatos return to the course, they will play in the final group together, each wearing red and white pins they created to raise awareness for the thousands of victims in a country ravaged by an earthquake, tsunami and the resulting nuclear catastrophe.

The pins have Japanese characters that translate to "Never Give Up Japan."

For Mika, it goes beyond mere symbols, though. She is donating all her winnings from the 2011 majors to the Red Cross for the recovery cause in her home country. That has already totaled more than $100,000 thanks to top-10 finishes at the first two majors. First place at the U.S. Open is worth around $600,000.

"Winning majors is what I strive for," she said. "And to donate all of my earnings from the majors, I hope to give positive things to the people who are around the disaster area."

What a way to make a name for herself – even though Mika has spent most of her young career being confused with Ai Miyazato. Ai has six LPGA Tour victories to none for Mika and she has spent a longer time on the radar as the best hope to become the next golf superstar in a country that loves the game.
Not that Mika has complained much when people get them mixed up.

"Everybody thinks we're sisters," she said. "That way, everybody can remember me, because Ai is playing great."

For the final 36 holes, the Miyazatos will also be grouped with South Korea's I.K. Kim, who returned early Saturday with the lead, played the last four holes of her second round, then finished the day two shots behind – in third place at 3 under.

In an attempt to bring a Sunday conclusion to a tournament that has fallen behind after three straight afternoons of rain, the USGA will send threesomes off from the 1 and 10 tees Sunday and will not re-pair the groups after the third round. It brings up the prospect, however slight, of having a victory celebration on the ninth green.

Almost certain, though, is that the final 36 holes will be as much a test of endurance as shot-making. Play is set to resume at 6:45 a.m. local time and if there are no interruptions, tournament director Ben Kimbal said the last putt will drop at 7:07 p.m.

"Oh, the USGA makes it really tough for all of us," said Kim, who has been passing the considerable down time playing games she loaded onto her new iPad. "It's already tough out there. But weather, I mean, you can't really control it. You've really got to play with what we get."

The only other players to reach the halfway point under par were Stacy Lewis and Ryann O'Toole, both at 1 under.

Lewis led for much of the second round before making bogey and double-bogey in the hour after play resumed following a rain delay Friday evening. She played the last two holes of the second round Saturday morning and finished with a 73.

"I felt awful last night," said Lewis, who won the year's first major, the Nabisco. "I didn't feel much better when I woke up. It was just really tiring to me. I've played 36 holes before, but not on a golf course like this."

Defending champion Paula Creamer was in a six-way tie at even.

"You're either above it and move on and you just kind of accept that this is what it is," Creamer said, "or you dwell about it and let it get to you, and affect your game out there."

Four-time major winner Yani Tseng, trying to complete the career Grand Slam, was 4 over, nine shots out of the lead. After finishing her frustrating round Saturday morning, she said she was having more trouble dealing with the Broadmoor's hard-to-read greens than the weather.

But make no mistake. The East Course is taking a hunk out of these players. It's a 7,000-yard monster at 6,400 feet in elevation – a long walk on a normal day, let alone a multiple-round grind under major-championship conditions. Rounds averaged about 5½ hours Saturday.

"You come to this Open, you have to really prepare," said Se Ri Pak, who will start the third round at 2 over. "Mentally stronger, physically stronger, your game has to always be strong enough to make sure you stay the whole week."

- Story courtesy of The Associated Press/Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: HJORTH, MIYAZATO EARN TOP-10 FINISHES

MIKA MIYAZATO

Mika Miyazato and Maria Hjorth lived up to their billing as part of our "sleeper" contenders, each finishing tied for eighth place Sunday in the final round of the Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y.

Miyazato and Hjorth both carded scores of 1-under-par 71 at Locust Hill Country Club, closing out their solid tournaments. For Miyazato, it was an even more important showing as the Japanese standout earned her place in the CME Group Titleholders event beginning November 17 in Orlando, Fla.

Take a look at how the overall group fared throughout the tour's second major championship of the season:

MIKA MIYAZATO

Finish: Tied for 8th (-5, 283)

Final round: -1, 71 ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Third round: Tied for 9th (-4, 68) ... Six birdies/two bogeys
Second round: Tied for 38th (Even, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

MARIA HJORTH

Finish: Tied for 8th (-5, 283)

Final round: -1, 71 ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Third round: Tied for 9th (-2, 70) ... Three birdies/one bogey
Second round: Tied for 19th (-1, 71) ... Five birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

ANGELA STANFORD

Finish: Tied for 30th (Even, 288)

Final round: +2, 74 ... Two birdies/four bogeys

Third round: Tied for 21st (+2, 74) ... One birdie/three bogeys
Second round: Ninth (E, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 3rd (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/one bogey

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

Finish: Tied for 57th (+4, 292)

Final round: -1, 71 ... Four birdies/one bogey/one double

Third round: Tied for 66th (+4, 76) ... Two birdies/four bogeys/one double
Second round: Tied for 50th (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Five birdies/one bogey

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

VICKY HURST

Position: Tied for 92nd (+4, 148) ... Missed cut

Second round: +5, 77 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... One birdie/six bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: HJORTH, MIYAZATO SHINE IN SLEEPER GROUP

MARIA HJORTH

Maria Hjorth and Mika Miyazato continued their respective charges up the Wegmans LPGA Championship leaderboard Saturday during the third round of play in Pittsford, N.Y.

The Swedish and Japanese standouts lead a group of seven all at 4 under par entering the final round of play Sunday at Locust Hill Country Club.

Miyazato had one of the best rounds Saturday, firing a 4-under 68 to move up 29 spots on the leaderboard. Hjorth carded a 2-under 70 for her 18 holes, giving her three consecutive days of shooting under par for the tournament.

Angela Stanford started the day in ninth place, but a 2-over 74 knocked her out of contention as she stands at 2 under for the tournament and  strokes behind leader Yani Tseng.

Take a look at how the overall group fared in the third round of the tour's second major championship of the season:

MIKA MIYAZATO

Position: Tied for 9th (-4, 212)

Third round: -4, 68 ... Six birdies/two bogeys
Second round: Tied for 38th (Even, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

Sunday tee time: 2:08 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

MARIA HJORTH

Position: Tied for 9th (-4, 212)

Third round: -2, 70 ... Three birdies/one bogey
Second round: Tied for 19th (-1, 71) ... Five birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Sunday tee time: 1:52 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

ANGELA STANFORD

Position: Tied for 21st (-2, 214)

Third round: +2, 74 ... One birdie/three bogeys
Second round: Ninth (Even, 72) ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 3rd (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Sunday tee time: 12:48 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

Position: Tied for 66th (+5, 221)

Third round: (+4, 76) ... Two birdies/four bogeys/one double
Second round: Tied for 50th (Even, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Sunday tee time: 9:44 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

VICKY HURST

Position: Tied for 92nd (+4, 148) ... Missed cut

Second round: +5, 77 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... One birdie/six bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: STANFORD IN HUNT FOR LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP

ANGELA STANFORD

So much for being one of our sleepers, folks.

Angela Stanford has put herself in contention to win her first major title this week at the Wegmans LPGA Championship in Pittsford, N.Y.

Stanford continued her strong play Friday, battling her way to an even-par 72 in the second round to put her alone in ninth place at the midway point of the event at Locust Hill Country Club. The American standout stands just four shots behind leader Yani Tseng heading into Saturday's third round of play.

Stanford is looking for first win since 2009 and fifth overall of her career.

Sweden's Maria Hjorth has played well, positioning herself for a weekend run at the championship after carding a second consecutive 1-under 71 for a share of 19th place.

Take a look at how the group fared in the second round of the tour's second major championship of the season:

ANGELA STANFORD

Position: Ninth (-4, 140)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 3rd (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Saturday tee time: 1:55 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

MARIA HJORTH

Position: Tied for 19th (-2, 142)

Second round: -1, 71 ... Five birdies/two bogeys/one double

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Saturday tee time: 12:43 p.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

MIKA MIYAZATO

Position: Tied for 38th (E, 144)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 11:04 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

Position: Tied for 50th (+1, 145)

Second round: Even, 72 ... Two birdies/two bogeys

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Friday tee time: 10:01 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

VICKY HURST

Position: Tied for 92nd (+4, 148) ... Missed cut

Second round: +5, 77 ... Three birdies/three bogeys

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... One birdie/six bogeys

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: STANFORD LEADS WAY IN 'SLEEPER' PACK

ANGELA STANFORD

Here are the five players we thought could surprise the field this week at the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y.

Needless to say, all are in contention after one round of action, with Angela Stanford leading the way following her opening 4-under-par 68 to grab a share of third place.

Take a look at how the group fared in the first round of the tour's second major championship of the season:

ANGELA STANFORD

First round: Tied for 3rd (-4, 68) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Friday tee time: 8:54 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

VICKY HURST

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 9:05 a.m./Tee No. 10
2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

MARIA HJORTH

First round: Tied for 22nd (-1, 71) ... Three birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 8:32 a.m./Tee No. 1

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

MIKA MIYAZATO

First round: Tied for 33rd (E, 72) ... Two birdies/two bogeys

Friday tee time: 8:54 a.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

First round: Tied for 55th (+1, 73) ... Five birdies/one bogey

Friday tee time: 8:54 a.m./Tee No. 10

2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

POND: FIVE WHO COULD SHINE AT LPGA MAJOR

ANGELA STANFORD

Here are five players who could surprise the field this week at the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y.:

VICKY HURST

* Last tournament: Tied for Tied for 19th at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 54th (+6)

MARIA HJORTH

* Last tournament: Tied for 45th at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Missed cut

ANGELA STANFORD

* Last tournament: Tied for 8th at LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

MIKA MIYAZATO

* Last tournament: Tied for 23rd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: 13th place (-1)

SOPHIE GUSTAFSON

* Last tournament: Tied for 23rd at the LPGA State Farm Classic

* 2010 Wegmans LPGA Championship finish: Tied for 25th (+2)

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images