Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan is closing in on second Asian Tour victory after delivering another steady performance on Day 3 of the SJM Macao Open. Wannasrichan carded a three-under-par 67, taking him to 16-under-par overall, holding a narrow one-shot lead over compatriot Gunn Charoenkul.
Wannasrichan’s round featured four birdies and one bogey, just enough to keep him ahead of Charoenkul, who fired a four-under-par 66 today. With Charoenkul seeking his first Asian Tour title after competing on the circuit for ten years, tomorrow’s final round promises a thrilling showdown.
Reflecting on his performance today and his plan for tomorrow, Wannasrichan said: “Today was a little tough for me because I felt some pressure. My tee shots weren’t great, but I tried not to overthink it. I just need to stay calm tomorrow, focus on good tee shots, and if I can control my nerves, I believe I can win."
Charoenkul, who was pleased with his performance, said: “I made some key saves on the 11th and 12th holes to keep the momentum going. Tomorrow, I’ll try to hit good tee shots and keep putting well. If I manage the pressure, I think I have a chance."
Meanwhile, four shots behind the leader, Chinese Taipei’s Liu Yung-hua is tied for third with Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, both at 11-under-par. Liu commented: “I was a bit nervous at the start but settled down after making some birdies. My tee shot on the seventh hole stood out for me today, and I’m looking to keep my momentum going tomorrow.”
John Catlin, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, is tied for fifth at ten-under-par, alongside South Korea’s Lee Seung Taek and Thai golfers Chanat Sakulpolphaisan and Poosit Supupramai. Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Catlin said: “I was trying to chase down the leaders and just wasn’t making any putts, but finishing like that was nice. At least I feel like I have an outside chance going into tomorrow.”
On what it’ll take to win his second win in Macao, Catlin added: “(A score in) the low 60s. A 63 or 62 probably gives you an outside chance, you would think. So, we’ll see what happens. Hopefully, I can get off to a hot start.”
Further down the leaderboard, Brian Harman sits in ninth place with a nine-under-par total. Defending champion Min Woo Lee posted a three-under-par 67, placing him in a tie for 16th.
This year’s tournament holds special significance, coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR. As Macao continues to grow its global sporting presence, the SJM Macao Open stands out as one of the most anticipated events on the Asian golfing calendar.
Fans can witness all the action at the 2024 SJM Macao Open live for free this week, with the opportunity to register for up to 10 tickets each. In addition to the thrilling golf action, attendees can look forward to an exciting fan village featuring several food and beverage options, and putting and chipping challenges for all ages. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com.
