Chinese whisper helps leader Shanshan Feng at Dubai Ladies Masters

DUBAI // Talking to yourself before a round, or at any time, can sometimes convey a questionable temperament, but for Shanshan Feng it seems to be working perfectly.

She has since Wednesday sat on top of the leaderboard at Emirates Golf Club, and her domination continued yesterday, Feng firing a five-under-par 67 to head the field by five.

Not even consecutive bogeys at the turn could derail her apparent march to a second Ladies European Tour title, Feng enjoying the serene conditions to again justify her place as the highest-ranked woman in the season finale.

"Before I play every day I try to do some [self-motivation], telling myself what I'm going to do," she said. "This morning, for example, I was like: 'I did well for two days, but in golf every day is a new day, so just try to forget it and do your best on every shot. And be patient.'

"I'm in position and still confident. I've done pretty well for three days so I'm going to stick to the same game plan."

Feng's 18-under-par total set a 54-hole record for the Dubai tournament, eclipsing the 15-under previously achieved by Annika Sorenstam, a two-time winner of the event.

Yet the feat was obscured by another remarkable achievement, as Dewi Claire Schreefel broke the course record with a nine-under-par 63 to move into second place.

"That was the best round of my career," said the Dutchwoman. "As for winning, it depends on Shanshan. She's a really good player, with wins on LPGA Tour, so she knows how to finish it off."

jmcauley@thenational.ae

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