THE MODERATOR: We're here with our first-round leader Elizabeth Szokol after the third round of the 2023 HSBC Women's World Championship. You ground out a 2-under par 70. Just tell me about your round. I know it was kind of up-and-down out there.
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: A little bit up and down. It was definitely a little hard after that break, getting called off the course with the rain delay. Caught a gust of wind on hole 8 and made a bogey but got called off the course and kind of let that frustration go which was good and kind of turned it around and made some good putts coming in.
THE MODERATOR: I know getting called in when you have eight or nine holes under your belt, was that a little bit different?
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: It's tough because you know what you're doing in your game and just have to sit there and think about it for a while. So kind of try and do everything but think about golf and think about the round. I was happy it wasn't too long of a delay today.
THE MODERATOR: Made a couple birdies on the back, back-to-back on 12 and 13. What was going through your mind trying to finish strong?
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: Yeah, I hit a really good iron shot in on 12 and made the putt and 13, the tee was moved forward. So could get close into and make the birdie, and that was a great kind of boost to my round.
THE MODERATOR: Heading into Sunday in contention, you've been in that spot before, but just being in contention, what are some of the feelings you're having right now?
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: I'm so excited, just the second event of the season and I'm just really excited to be playing in contention and have a chance tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
THE MODERATOR: I know you had a challenging 2022. Is it rewarding to see the work that you and the choices you made pay off?
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: Absolutely. I think it gives golf some perspective, as well, which is very helpful for bad shots on the golf course and bad days, which is great. But definitely help kind of going through some tough days in 2022 and being here now.
THE MODERATOR: And just finally, chasing, how do you stay patient and focused on one shot at a time when you're out there in these kind of conditions?
ELIZABETH SZOKOL: I just had to refocus and get back to fairways and greens, as simple as that is. Got a little off-track after the delay, and went back to focusing on that and stayed patient with some putts falling. So just do the same thing tomorrow and just enjoy the moment.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports