IRELAND'S hopes of medalling in the women’s golf tournament all but ended on Friday following disappointing third rounds for Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow.
Cavan golfer Maguire had entered the day three-under par, just seven strokes back from halfway leader, South Korea’s Inbee Park, but she now sits 11 shots off top spot after a 74.
She had sat at five-under par and within striking distance after birdies at four and five, but her hopes fell apart in the final seven holes as she bogeyed 12, 13, 14, 16 and 18.
Jordanstown woman Meadow had entered the third round on level-par after a fine 65 on Thursday.
She responded brilliantly to a bogey at the first with four consecutive birdies between the fourth and seventh holes but a double bogey at the ninth set her back.
Bogeys on the back nine at 12 and 13, along with a birdie at 15, ensured that Meadow finished with a 71 to leave her on one-over par heading into the final round.
Park continued to hold the lead after the third round on 11-under par.
* NATALYA Coyle finished seventh in the Modern Pentathlon after completing the final discipline, the run/shoot at the Diadora Stadium
Coyle finished ninth in London. Her comrade Lanigan O'Keeffe now shoulders the Modern Pentathlon charge when he begins his podium quest at 4pm on Saturday.
He's 25th at the moment, with swimming, fencing, riding and the combined event to come.
* ROB Heffernan delivered a wonderful performance in the 50km walk pmn Friday to finish sixth overall in the sweltering heat in Rio.
Milford’s Brendan Boyce also had a brilliant performance as he finished 19th following a time of 3:53:59. That was a big improvement on his 26th finish at the London games four years ago.
Alex Wright, meanwhile, withdrew just over half the way through. The walker had made a strong start but needed treatment on cramp and eventually he decided not to continue.
TODAY’S IRISH IN ACTION
Women’s golf: Stephanie Meadow (12.41pm), Leona Maguire (1.36pm)
Women’s triathlon: Aileen Reed (3pm)
Men’s individual modern pentathlon: Arthur Lanigan-O’Keefe
