Kuwait Times

Spieth, Song in cliffhange­r as weather suspends play

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SINGAPORE: A thundersto­rm halted the final round of the SMBC Singapore Open yesterday just as world number one Jordan Spieth was attempting to go a stroke behind leader Song Young Han on the 18th hole.

This left the competitio­n in a cliffhange­r as the South Korean had two more holes to play and was lining up a 10-foot par on the 16th. The $1.0 million tournament will now be decided when play resumes Monday morning at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course.

The South Korean is looking to secure his first career title after taking six-runnersup places in Japan and South Korea during the past three years.

Inclement weather and fading light have dogged the competitio­n since Thursday, suspending play that had to be resumed the following day.

A total of 15 players had to complete round three this morning, with Spieth playing two holes and Song five. The session ended with the Texan trailing the South Korean by five strokes. Plagued by erratic form in the last three days, Spieth conceded he was rushing his game, trying to do too much and making the wrong decisions. Heading into the final round, the 22-yearold resolved to change his approach to narrow the gap.

“I have got to hit as many greens in regulation as possible, I just have not done that,” said the American. “All it takes is a little bit of a spark, a little confidence with my ball striking to make sure I have got that distance control down and the putting will come.”

Spieth lived up to his expectatio­ns and put on a commanding performanc­e, shooting five birdies against a bogey before heading into the final hole to shave Song’s lead.

“My game really started to come together on the back nine,” said the world number one. “I was putting some pressure on the leader. Assuming I make that putt on 18 that is going to put some pressure on him.”

Song put on a blistering eight-underpar 63 performanc­e on Friday that equalled the course record, but only managed two and one under in the next two days before play was suspended.

“I am really tired, it has been a long wait. Coming back tomorrow is okay for me as the course should be in a better condition (less wet),” said the 24-year-old. “Tomorrow I will just play shot by shot and hope I can get the win. I have had a lot of second place finishes and it is time for a victory.” —AFP

 ??  ?? SINGAPORE: Jordan Spieth of the United States prepares to play on the third hole during the final round of the SMBC Singapore Open golf tournament at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course yesterday, in Singapore. — AP
SINGAPORE: Jordan Spieth of the United States prepares to play on the third hole during the final round of the SMBC Singapore Open golf tournament at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course yesterday, in Singapore. — AP

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