Wie 'tired,' but advances to quarterfinals

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Michelle Wie hits from the sand toward the 12th green during the third round of the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship at Ocean Hammock Golf Club. Wie, 13, won two matches yesterday and advanced to the quarterfinals. Associated Press

Wie, 13, will face reigning U.S. Amateur Champion Becky Lucidi of Poway, Calif., in the match play quarterfinals. The semifinals also will be played today.

Hilo's Amanda Wilson, 15, a quarterfinalist last year, was eliminated in the third round. Honolulu's Stephanie Kono, 13, and Pearl City's Mari Chun, 15, were eliminated in the second round yesterday.

Wie jumped to an early lead in the third round against Mayumi Motoyama of Littleton, Colo., and cruised to a 5 and 4 win. The match was conceded after the No. 14 hole, with Wie leading by five and putting for birdie.

Wie's round was not without some jeopardy. Before hitting her second shot on the second hole, Wie's nose started bleeding. She was offered medical treatment but turned it down.

"I get it occasionally," Wie said about the bloody nose. "I think it's because I was tired. I get it when I'm tired. I'm pretty tired right now. My legs hurt."

Earlier yesterday, Wie defeated Hwanhee Lee of Los Angeles, 2 and 1, in the second round. Lee eliminated Wie in the semifinals last year.

Wilson defeated Jennifer Ackerson of Allen, Texas, 4 and 3, in the second round, then lost to Aimee Cho of Orlando, on the 19th hole.

Kono lost to Jeanne Cho of France on the 21st hole, and Chun lost to Tanya Dergal of Mexico, 4 and 2.

Defending champion Annie Thurman, of Highland Springs, Utah, lost to Tarah McNaughton, of Bradenton, Fla., 7 and 5, in the third round.