Liang claims clubhouse lead
Liang Wen-chong broke through the fatigue barrier by carding a four-under-par 67 to snatch the clubhouse lead before the third round of the SMBC Singapore Open was suspended due to darkness on Saturday.
Liang played a marathon 31 holes at the Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club after inclement weather during the first two rounds had led to lengthy delays at the US$1 million event which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
Second round leader Song Younghan of Korea mixed two birdies against two bogey to be on nine-under through 13 holes while world number Jordan Spieth remained in contention at six-under with two holes left to play.
A total of 15 players will return on Sunday morning to complete their third round with the final round scheduled to commence with no re-draw.
Liang, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, returned early in the morning to complete 13 holes from his second round where he signed for a flawless 67.
After a quick lunch break, the Chinese was back at the starting tee again.
He charged out of the blocks quickly with three birdies in his opening four holes but dropped a shot on the fifth.
Liang then struggled to keep his focus but was eventually rewarded with two more birdies in his last three holes.
"I played 31 holes today and to be honest, I was feeling tired towards the end of the round. I'm happy I managed to birdie 16 and 18 coming in as those birdies gave me that much-needed confidence boost for tomorrow," said Liang, who signed for a three-day total of eight-under-par 205.
"I started off really well with three birdies in first four holes but dropped a bogey on the fifth. After that, I couldn’t find those birdie opportunities and was glad they finally came again on 16 and 18. I'll try my best tomorrow," added Liang.
Despite having to endure a long wait, Song believes he can still surmount a challenge to win the SMBC Singapore Open title.
"It did not help me that much not having played this morning as I had to wait about a long time for my tee off. I have had many second place finishes in Japan and Korea but I do not think that will affect me (mentally) tomorrow. It would be great to win here and that's my aim."
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick: A Blade with plenty of support who can really cut it
The Sheffield golfer landed his first major – and first professional win in America – at Brookline on Sunday.
-
US OpenMixed emotions for Rory McIlroy after US Open disappointment
McIlroy finished joint fifth at Brookline.
-
US OpenGolfing world and beyond react to Matt Fitzpatrick’s US Open victory
The 27-year-old held off Will Zalatoris and world number one Scottie Scheffler to win by one stroke at Brookline.