THREE-WAY BATTLE FOR TITLE
Shubhankar, Woodland and Leishman lead the chasing pack
THE CIMB Classic will see an exciting three-way battle heading into today’s final round at TPC Kuala Lumpur after India’s Shubhankar Sharma joined the fray. Shubhankar, 22, spiced things up on the course amid hot and humid conditions yesterday.
He fired a six-under 66 to match America’s Gary Woodland and Australian Marc Leishman’s 19-under 197 after three rounds.
Shubhankar, who won the Maybank Championship earlier this year, said: “I prefer playing in hot conditions. I’ve grown up playing in this weather since I’ve been playing golf.
“Asia is our home and it’s always good when you’re playing well in front of ‘home’ crowd. It was evident today. I got a lot of support from people who came out and also on the 18th (hole) when I got a good ovation so, I’m really happy that I’m back.”
Woodland, 34, who has emerged as runner-up twice (2014 and 2015), was glad to be paired with Leishman yesterday.
“We kind of fed off each other. Leish got off to an unbelievable start and we kind of hung in there.”
Leishman, making his seventh appearance at the US$7 million (RM29 million) CIMB Classic, said: “It (the scores) are very low. I’m surprised but it’s playing quite a lot shorter because the balls are running out on the fairways.
“So, a lot shorter irons into holes if you’re hitting the fairway.”
Defending champion Pat Perez of the United States struggled to find his rhythm. He finished on tied 42nd at six-under 210. Malaysia’s Ben Leong, who did creditably well in the first two days (68-70), faltered yesterday with a one under 71 to finish joint 38.
Compatriot Jeremiah Kim ended up last on the 78-man field with rounds of 76-76-78.
Asia is our home and it’s always good when you’re playing well in front of ‘home’ crowd.