EPIC FINALE EXPECTED AS WOODLAND IN THREE-WAY TIE AT THE TOP
Classic finale in store as threesome end up tied for the lead for last round
AN EPIC finale is on the cards in the ninth edition of the CIMB Classic today.
American Gary Woodland kept the fight tight when he left it late to birdie the 18th hole to make it a three-way tie for the lead at the TPC Kuala Lumpur’s West Course.
The 34-year-old Woodland, seeking his fourth PGA Tour victory, fired a five-under 67 that included six birdies and a bogey to tie with joint overnight leader Marc Leishman of Australia (67) and India’s Shubhankar Sharma (66).
The trio are on 19-under 197 – two shots ahead of South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen and American Bronson Burgoon, the first-round leader.
Austin Cook of the United States is a solo sixth on 16-under 200.
Woodland was pleased as punch to remain atop the leaderboard, after being overtaken by Leishman on the very first hole of the day.
“It’s nice. I played very well today,” said Woodland.
“I didn’t make as many putts as I did yesterday, but drove the ball well. Kind of got a little loose there on the back nine, maybe ran out of gas a little.
“But it was nice to finish with a birdie and nice to get some momentum going into tomorrow.”
Having finished runner-up in 2013 and 2014 – both to compatriot Ryan Moore, Woodland is hoping to get the job done this time.
“I love this golf course, I love coming here, the people are great, food’s great, the golf course is phenomenal,” said Woodland, who’s making his sixth appearance.
“They’ve done a phenomenal job with the redo (of the West Course). It’s in good shape as before. Sets up for a great day tomorrow (today) and hopefully we can go out and have a good round, see what happens.”
Leishman had no complaints despite failing to hold on to the two-shot lead he enjoyed at one stage yesterday.
The 34-year-old was in red-hot form in the first 10 holes, making five birdies and an eagle to go seven-under for the day but he failed to keep the momentum going, bogeying the 11th and 13th, and allowed Shubhankar and Woodland to rejoin the race.
“Played the first 10 holes really well, the putter cooled off a little bit, but hung in there to shoot five-under,” he said.
“Happy with the round, gave myself a good chance tomorrow, so hopefully I can be hot like I was in that first 10 holes today and see how we end up.”
No Asian has won the tournament since its inception in 2010, but the wait can end today through Shubhankar.
The 22-year-old Indian is banking on the crowd support to spur him on.
“Asia is our home and it’s always good when you’re playing well in front of the home crowd,” said Shubhankar, who also tasted success in Malaysia earlier in February when he won the European Tour’s Maybank Championship.
“It was evident today I got a lot of support from people who came out and also on the 18th. I’m banking on the same support. It just pushes you, inspires you to do well.”