Sophia Schubert shares the Portland Classic lead at 16-under with Arpichaya Yubol, setting up a Sunday showdown with Jeeno Thitikul lurking.
Sophia Schubert has been grinding for another real shot on the LPGA Tour. Now she’s got one.
Schubert fired a 5-under 67 on Saturday at The Standard Portland Classic, birdieing two of her final three holes to grab a share of the 54-hole lead with Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol. Both players sit at 16-under 200 heading into Sunday at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
For Schubert, the moment carries some extra weight.
The 30-year-old American is still searching for her first LPGA Tour victory after fighting her way back to the circuit through the Epson Tour.
She finished 10th on the Epson standings last season, and she believes that experience helped rebuild her confidence.
“I think it was a great boost for my confidence,” Schubert said of her time on the developmental tour.
That confidence showed late Saturday.
After making bogey at No. 14, Schubert answered with birdies at the par-3 16th and par-4 18th to pull even with Yubol at the top.
Yubol, who started the day with the outright lead, carded a 68 and continues to look increasingly comfortable in contention.
The 24-year-old has already finished runner-up twice this season, including strong showings at Mayakoba and the ShopRite LPGA.
She knows Sunday can’t be about protecting a number.
“You cannot stay on your score,” Yubol said. “You have to be moving up.”
That’s probably wise with Jeeno Thitikul only two shots back.
Thitikul posted a 67 to reach 14-under and will join the final group Sunday. Unlike Schubert and Yubol, she already knows how to close on the LPGA Tour, with nine career victories entering the final round.
“We love to be in contention,” Thitikul said. “We love chasing the trophy.”
Narin An is also within striking distance at 13-under after a third-round 66.
Still, the biggest story is Schubert.
She’s ranked No. 295 in the world and sits 125th in the tour’s points race, making this more than just another leaderboard appearance. A win would completely change the trajectory of her season.
She’ll have to beat two dangerous Thai stars to get there.
But after a season spent proving she belongs back on the LPGA Tour, Schubert finally has the kind of Sunday she’s been chasing.
