Gainer Catches Ruffels – Two Share the Lead

Ladies European Tour member Cara Gainer delivered a superb 64 (-7) on Saturday to put herself in contention for a dream Sunday at only her second Major appearance. The 29-year-old Englishwoman’s only previous Major outing came at the 2023 Women’s British Open, where she finished mid-pack. Since then, Gainer has placed third at the 2025 Jabra Ladies Open and captured her first professional win at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco.

She’ll tee off in the final group with Gabriela Ruffels, the co-leader after three rounds. Currently ranked 71st in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings, the Australian’s last top-10 came over a year ago at the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open. The younger sister of PGA Tour player Ryan Ruffels, Gabriela has played her best two rounds of the season this week. At the peak of her game, she’ll need to summon everything she has on Sunday as challengers loom large.

Four Chasers Lurking

Drama is guaranteed on this 31st Sunday of the tournament’s history, with four players just one shot back at -10: Minjee Lee, Atthaya Thitikul, Grace Kim, and Somi Lee. Their paths have varied, but all are poised for a thrilling final-round sprint. Two Australians and two Asians — including the 2021 champion — ensure a packed leaderboard with star power. World No. 2 Thitikul is chasing her first Major title, but the week has already proven that rankings mean little in this unpredictable showdown.

Liu and Yoshida Light It Up

Asian players continued their dominance in style. Following Somi Lee’s 65 (-6) on Friday, Saturday belonged to China’s Ruixin Liu and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida — both carding the lowest round of the week: 63 (-8). Yoshida, a four-time winner on the JLPGA (most recently in March), made the first move. Ranked No. 111 in the world, a win tomorrow would mark the first time in the 21st century that two players from the same country won at Évian in the same year.

Ruixin Liu, meanwhile, put together a masterclass round with seven birdies and an eagle. The 26-year-old, who posted her best Major finish (T31) at the most recent KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, is now just four strokes off the lead — further cementing her rise among the elite.

Nadaud Stays in the Fight

Playing her first-ever Major, French rookie Nastasia Nadaud is doing far more than just soaking up the experience — she’s making a statement. Backed by family, friends, and fellow club members, the young talent from Aix-les-Bains lit up the 16th hole with her fourth consecutive birdie, sending the local crowd into a frenzy. Since turning pro in 2023, Nadaud has worked her way up to this moment. With just 18 holes remaining and only three shots behind the leaders, she has a real shot at something historic. Wearing the colors of the Evian Resort Golf Club she represents year-round, she’s already won the hearts of the home fans. Now she’ll look to win the trophy.