Harding blasts his way to two-shot advantage at Indonesia Open
>> JAKARTA: South Africa’s Justin Harding did not put a foot wrong as he carded a six-under-par 66 to take a two-shot lead at the US$500,000 Indonesia Open yesterday.
Harding, who is playing in the tournament as an invite, hit every green in regulation and missed only one fairway en route to a 17-under-par 199 total at the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
“I played solidly today. I didn’t miss any green and I missed only one fairway. With a bit more luck, I could have run away with it but I’m happy where I am. I’ll be looking forward to playing with my buddy, Scott [Vincent], tomorrow,” said Harding.
“The type of grass is different here compared to the ones back home. It has taken me some time to adjust but it is not something that I struggle with.”
Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe kept up the chase as he signed for a 66, highlighted by four consecutive birdies from holes 12 to 15. A bogey on the 18th spoiled his plans for a grandstand finish but he is happy to be placed in the final group today.
“I played great. I hit 12 fairways today and I’ve put myself in the right spots,” said Vincent.
“I was able to attack the pins. My putter worked well as I was able to make some long putts, which got me moving in the right direction.
“I set myself a target out there and I’ve beaten it. All in all, I’m very happy today. The last hole was disappointing but still, I’m happy with the overall score.
“For tomorrow, I’m setting myself a similar target. Justin [Harding] is obviously playing very well. It’s going to be fun tomorrow. The title won’t be handed to me, I’ll have to go and take it,” added the Zimbabwean star.
Kim Si-Hwan will be playing alongside the leading duo after carding a 67 to sit in lone third place. The American was nearly flawless yesterday, trading six birdies against a lone bogey.
Philippines’ Angelo Que, a threetime Asian Tour champion, improved his score for the third day in a row. He carded a 67 to be tied-fourth alongside Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat (68), India’s Udayan Mane (69) and Australia’s Matthew Millar (70) on a 204 total.
Mane, who is also playing on an invite this week, is in serious contention for the first time on the Asian Tour. His solid back nine, where he scored three birdies, has set him up for a charge at the title.