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Dynamic Thai duo stand out at weather-hit SMBC Singapore Open
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Energized: Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand is seen during round three of the SMBC Singapore Open at the Sentosa Golf Club, Serapong Course, Singapore, on Jan. 21. The US$1-million-event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organization. (Lagardère Sports/Khalid Redza)
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hailand’s Tirawat Kaewsiribandit and Phachara Khongwatmai braved the heavy rain by snatching the third-round clubhouse lead at the weather-hit SMBC Singapore Open on Saturday.
Close to three-and-a half-hours of play was lost due to lightning and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
When play finally resumed at 5:30pm, it was 27-year-old Tirawat, who stormed to the top by firing two birdies on his remaining three holes for a five-under-par 66.
“It was a really nice birdie on the last. I am very happy with how I finished. It wasn’t easy out there, especially with the rain” Tirawat, who earned his Asian Tour card by finishing seventh at the Qualifying School last week, said.
Phachara also had a closing birdie to thank for lifting him to the top of the leaderboard after he posted a 67 for a three-day total of eight-under-par 205 at the Sentosa Golf Club.
(Read also: Tanihara, Kang shoot 65 to set early pace at Singapore Open)
Australia’s Adam Scott, a three-time Singapore Open winner, meanwhile, has the chance to overtake the Thai duo when he resumes his third round at 7:30am on Sunday. The world number seven, together with second-round leader Seungsu Han of the United States, is at eight-under-par through 13 holes.
Singapore’s Quincy Quek remained in contention to become the first Singaporean to win his National Open as he is within two shots of the leaders at the US$1-million-event that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organization.
Quek, together with the Philippines’ Juvic Pagunsan is at six-under with four holes to play and is among the 32 players who have yet to complete their third round. (jun)
