NC State’s Choi, James Help Canada Extends Lead at Copa de las Americas

Albin Choi is tied for 2nd on men’s individual leader board; James shoots 3rd-straight 76

MIAMI, FL – NC State golfers Augusta James and Albin Choi helped extend Team Canada’s lead to five shots on Saturday at the 2013 Copa de las Americas at the par-72 TPC Blue Monster Course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

The four-person Team Canada squad combined to shoot a 5-over 293 in the third round, and stands at 19-over 883 for the tournament with one day of competition remaining on Sunday. The United States and Mexico are tied for second at 24-over 888.

Choi, from Toronto, finished in red numbers for the second-straight day. A 2-under 70 follows his 68 on Friday and is at 2-under 214 for the championship leaves him tied for second, one shot out of the men’s individual lead held by Carlos Ernesto Rodriguez of Columbia. Choi has a field-leading 17 birdies through 54 holes.

James, a sophomore from Bath, Ontario, continues her steady play with a third-consecutive 4-over 76 on Saturday. She is tied for sixth at 12-over 228.

On the men’s team side, Choi and Corey Connors moved into the lead after beginning the day four shots behind Columbia. Connors shot even-par, and Choi’s 70 put them at even for the championship. Mexico and Columbia are tied for second two shots behind.

In the women’s team competition, James and her playing partner, Brooke Mackenzie Henderson, had the lead the first two days, but will begin Sunday’s final round in second, two shots behind the USA. Mexico is third place five shots in back of Canada.

The 2013 Copa de las Americas, conducted by the Americas Golf Association and hosted by the United States Golf Association, is a team event for amateurs in North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. It consists of three 72-hole stroke-play competitions – overall, men and women – and the competitions end on Sunday.