Thaworn Wiratchant and Clark Dennis share lead going into Sharjah Senior Golf Masters final round

Sport360 staff 16:38 10/03/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Nice Thai: Thaworn Wirachant leads the way in Sharjah.

    The Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq is set for a spectacular finale with Thaworn Wiratchant and overnight leader Clark Dennis going into the final round with a share of the lead on 11 under par after a low scoring day at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

    Thailand’s Wiratchant set the pace early on Friday after a terrific run of five birdies in his first nine holes saw him set the clubhouse target. A further two birdies would follow on the back nine to see the MCB Tour Championship winner signing for a 65.

    “My round today was great because I seemed to have control with all my shots,” said Wiratchant.

    “I love it here in Sharjah because the weather is hot like Thailand and the course is in exceptional condition. It was easier today because there was less wind and the pin position was better. I came here with no expectations so to be joint-leader going into the final round, I’m very happy.”

    Reigning Staysure Tour Order of Merit champion Dennis got off to a slow start with a bogey on the first but the American soon regained the form that saw him light up the opening round as the 52-year-old hit three birdies in his next five holes to put him back in the hunt.

    A bogey on the ninth followed by three birdies in his final six holes meant the former PGA Tour player carded a 68 to join Wiratchant at the top of the table, ensuring a captivating final day in the northern emirate is on the cards.

    “I played some golf again today but it was definitely more of a struggle than yesterday,” said Clark.

    Clark Dennis is still in the hunt.

    Clark Dennis is still in the hunt.

    “I didn’t quite have the ‘A’ game but I still managed to hit some good shots on the back nine which gave me a couple of birdies so I’m really glad that I got to 11 under par heading into the final day.

    “Tomorrow is a new day and everyone is going to be looking for those birdies. I don’t think that anyone will be trying to protect anything so it should be a low scoring day. Hopefully I can come out tomorrow and execute my game plan and make a few putts.”

    Meanwhile, the round of the day went to Australian Peter Flower who made great strides up the leaderboard after shooting a breathtaking course record 64 to leave him nine under par in third place.

    The 58-year-old’s best shot of the day came on the 15th where he chipped in for his second consecutive eagle at the par five hole.

    “I really like it here. I liked it last year and was looking forward to coming back,” said Fowler.

    “I was a long way behind with some good scores this morning and Clark was on pretty hot form as well. I had to put something good together today, which I did, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

    South African James Kingston is in fourth place after a round of 68 left him four shots adrift of the leaders on seven under par whilst Spaniard Martin Miguel Angel and Englishman Philip Golding complete the top five on six under par after rounds of 70 of 68.

    Amateur players Steven Kelbrick and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club’s Amir Al Naimi carded a 76 and 78 respectively as they once again battled with some of the biggest names of the past. Kelbrick goes into the final round on seven over par with Al Naimi on eight over.

    Speaking about the second day of the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters, HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal added: “We take great pride in the quality and diversity of the players at the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters and this is highlighted by the leaderboard that includes eight different nationalities in the top ten.

    “We are proud to showcase Sharjah’s hospitality and the Emirati flair the emirate has to offer. With the competition entering the final round tomorrow, we look forward to seeing the competitiveness on display and are privileged to have Sharjah as the focal point of such an internationally acclaimed sport and competition.”

    Recommended