Staff WriterAt the La Sella Open, a Canadian teenager is rewriting the script on composure. Anna Huang, all of 17 years old, shrugged off her first bogey in 51 holes to keep a firm grip on a three-shot lead over France’s Nastasia Nadaud heading into Sunday’s final round at La Sella Golf Resort in Denia.
Huang, who has looked more seasoned tour veteran than wide-eyed rookie this week, rattled in four birdies en route to 17-under, leaving her just one shy of Helen Briem’s tournament-record winning score from 2024.
The blemish? A bunker-induced stumble at the 15th that forced her to swallow a rare bogey. Otherwise, it was another round of clinical calm from a player whose ball-striking has been a sight to behold.
“I think today my ball striking was still really good, so hopefully I can bring that momentum into tomorrow,” Huang said. “Not many of my putts dropped today, so that was a bit frustrating, but hopefully I can fix that.”
If she holds on, Huang will leap into the top 25 of the Order of Merit, not bad for someone still getting used to signing autographs. Pressure, however, doesn’t seem to rattle her. “I think I’m more excited (than nervous); I think before I was a bit more nervous going into the final round, but I learned that pressure is a privilege, and you’ve got to use it to your advantage,” she added.
Nadaud Keeps Pace — With a Slice of Nutella
France’s Nastasia Nadaud remains Huang’s closest pursuer. Ranked 13th in the OOM, Nadaud produced another solid round to stay three back. She’s still searching for her first Ladies European Tour victory but insists her earlier final-group experience in Belgium has toughened her mentally.
“I think mentally speaking, having played in the last group already in Belgium, it can actually help me not think about the score or what the others are doing, just sticking to what I’m doing and focusing on myself,” she said.
And what’s fueling her surge in Spain? Not swing mechanics, but Nutella pizza. “It’s absolutely the plan; we’ll do that tonight!” Nadaud grinned.
Walsh Keeps Rolling
Ireland’s Lauren Walsh has been quietly building a reputation for consistency, and her six-under 66 pushed her to 10-under and solo third. Fresh from finishing runner-up at the Swiss Open last week, Walsh looks every bit at home on the LET.
“I’m really happy with today’s work; bogey-free, and I kept it pretty simple out there, had a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, made up-and-down shots when I needed to, held some putts – Simple!” Walsh said.
When asked about her recent form, she kept the answer as uncomplicated as her game. “Nothing too crazy; I’ve tried to simplify things and just enjoy my time out here so I think that’s been key.
I’ve enjoyed the last couple of weeks, and that makes a big difference to your golf game as well; having fun out here and making the most of the cool places we get to go to.”
Spanish Hope Falters
As for the home crowd, 2023 champion Nuria Iturrioz remains Spain’s best shot at sneaking into the top ten, though five bogeys left her stuck on five-under alongside Order of Merit leader Mimi Rhodes and a gaggle of others.
“I feel bad that I couldn’t do my best score today but it’s okay; I’ll try tomorrow and we’ll see! Tomorrow’s a new day,” Iturrioz said, ever the optimist in front of her partisan gallery.
Sunday Showdown Awaits
So it comes down to this: a teenager with ice in her veins, a French challenger powered by Nutella, and an Irishwoman in the form of her life. The La Sella Open has set the stage for a final round with enough drama to satisfy even the most jaded golf fan.
Spectators can still attend for free at La Sella Golf Resort, with sign-ups available online.
