DOHA — The inaugural Qatar Ladies Open (QLO) is perfectly poised for a thrilling final round as Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Aditi Ashok shared a one shot lead at 12-under par on the third day at Doha Golf Club. The young pair, playing together, clinched birdie putts on the 18th green in the dying light to share the lead, cheered on by the captivated crowds. Wales' Becky Morgan shot an impressive score of 66 to finish on 11-under, while England's Annabel Dimmock stayed in contention at fourth on 10-under. Second-round leader Lydia Hall dropped down the field to fifth after a mixed, level-par 72 kept her at nine-under. Morning thunderstorms delayed the start of Friday's play by over two hours, and the heavy winds that followed offered the Ladies European Tour players a new challenge to contend with on moving day. After finishing the front-nine on level par, 22-year-old Madsen grew into her round, and four birdies after the turn left the Dane with a round of 69. While Ashok started brighter and led the field for the majority of the day, two bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes meant she was pegged back by her resilient playing partner as the pair battled for the lead in front of the big weekend crowds. With sunshine and perfect scoring conditions expected Saturday, it could be a tense day of battle between the two exciting players. Ashok said: "It's great to be in contention, the week after a win. I'm really happy with the way I'm playing this week." The fiery Madsen, who is looking to add a second title this year, left the course pleased with her luck after her second shot into the par-five 18th skirted the water and found the greenside rough, but she downplayed the importance of her birdie finish alongside Ashok. She said: "It was lucky that my second shot didn't go into the water. I was just happy that I didn't have to make a drop. It's better to be tied for the lead than be one behind, but either is okay." Elsewhere in the field, it was second-placed Morgan and France's Jade Schaeffer who made the most of ‘moving day' at the QLO. Schaeffer shot a blistering bogey-free round of 65, the best round of the tournament, to move up to tied-sixth and four off the lead. Morgan, who is yet to win on the LET after over 100 appearances, carded a 66 in the challenging conditions to leave herself well placed before Saturday's final round. The busy Friday afternoon saw spectators splitting their time between eagerly following the on-course action and having fun with friends and family in the QLO Village. Children enjoyed playing mini golf, volleyball, basketball and football games, while parents relaxed and enjoyed delicious cuisine from the Belgian Café and rooftop St. Tropez Lounge. The free-to-attend Qatar Ladies Open runs until Saturday at Doha Golf Club.
