Justin Harding and Kurt Kitayama will both be hunting a maiden European Tour victory at the tri-sanctioned Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open on Sunday.
South African Harding and American Kitayama opened up a three-shot lead after Saturday’s third round at Four Seasons Golf Club in Beau Champ.
Kitayama, who led at the start of the day, managed to hold on to his advantage thanks to a two-under-par 70, but he was joined at the top by an in-form Harding, who drained eight birdies in a bogey-free 64 to lift himself into a tie for the lead.
It's a 70 for Kitayama.
He'll co-lead into the final day. pic.twitter.com/ZNlNHrPxI4
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 1, 2018
Harding and Kitayama were both regulars on the Asian Tour this year, with the former winning twice in the space of two weeks back in July, but neither have tasted victory on Europe’s premier tour.
Interestingly, the second of Harding’s wins at the Royal Cup saw Kitayama finish tied runner-up, his best professional showing to date.
Harding is experiencing a breakthrough year, and currently leads the Asian Tour order of merit. He also won twice on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.
"I felt like I could birdie every hole out there!"
Our co-leader Harding reflects on his 64… pic.twitter.com/thZ3oZgyIp
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 1, 2018
Kitayama, who came through Q-School recently to earn his European Tour card, is following in the footsteps of fellow Americans Brooks Koepka and Peter Uihlein by trying to kickstart his career in Europe.
And just two tournaments into his European adventure, he has given himself a great chance of securing his first victory at the Mauritius Open, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour and European Tour.
Lying three shots off the lead are Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura (67), Frenchman Matthieu Pavon (70) and Thailand’s Chikkarangappa S (71).
Another Frenchman, Victor Perez (71), follows a further shot back, one clear of Irishman Gavin Moynihan (71).
With 18 holes remaining at the #ABMO… pic.twitter.com/XrZnq4jNTZ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 1, 2018
Ryan Fox claimed his maiden European tour title when he beat Adrian Otaegui 3&2 at the ISPS Handa World Super 6 in Perth on Sunday.
American Nelly Korda held off a charge by Jin Young Ko to claim victory in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open on Sunday.
Justin Thomas holds a one-stroke lead over Adam Scott while Tiger Woods made headlines as the Genesis Open continues to play catch-up.
Swedish rookie Per Langfors fired an impressive 64 to grab the top seeding heading into the final match-play round of the World Super 6.
Matt Kuchar has apologised for his “insensitive” response to the controversy surrounding his payment to local caddie David Ortiz in Mexico.
Nelly Korda is in pole position for some silverware following a solid third round at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open on Saturday.
Justin Thomas and Adam Scott share the lead halfway through the second round at a rain soaked Genesis Open on Friday.
The 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah will forever be remembered for the blind swing taken by a then plucky 19-year-old Sergio Garcia.
Aside from the new flagstick rule, it’s fair to say that Adam Scott isn’t a fan of all the new changes to the Rules of Golf.
Belgium’s Thomas Pieters fired a 66 in windy conditions to join a four-way tie for the lead after the second round of the World Super 6.