Pettersen hopes she can finally close deal

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This article was published 06/09/2009 (6232 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PRIDDIS, Alta. — Suzann Pettersen has 18 holes to truly put two years worth of close calls behind her.

Despite being one of the better players on the LPGA Tour, the Norwegian hasn’t lifted a trophy in North America since 2007. She’s rarely going to get a better opportunity than the one she’ll have today with a five-shot lead over Angela Stanford heading into the final round of the CN Canadian Women’s Open.

The biggest key for Pettersen will be to stay aggressive.

“I’m not trying to hold on to anything,” she said after shooting 5-under 66 on Saturday. “I’m just going to see how low (I) can go. There should be no limitations on how deep you can go on this course.”

Pettersen proved that during a third round played in tough conditions at Priddis Greens, matching Morgan Pressel for the low round of the day.

Her lead was six or larger for much of the afternoon, but Stanford rolled in a 60-foot eagle putt on the final hole to shoot 69 and draw a little closer. Karrie Webb (68) is six behind, while In-Kyung Kim (69) and Lorena Ochoa (72) are seven back.

Stanford is well aware of the heartbreak Pettersen has experienced with six runner-up finishes on the LPGA Tour since her last victory. The most recent was a playoff loss at last weekend’s event in Portland.

With Pettersen on the verge of a win at the US$2.75-million event, Stanford hopes to add another painful chapter to her story.

“Well I don’t feel that bad for her,” she said with a laugh. “Not bad enough to not show up”

If Stanford needs some inspiration, she only needs to revisit her own experience at this event in 2006.

She took a four-shot lead into the final round at London Hunt that year and ended up losing the tournament by one shot to Cristie Kerr — a player who started eight shots back on Sunday.

“I thought about that coming off the tee box here on 18,” said Stanford. “You never know.”

— The Canadian Press