Chile’s Joaquin Niemann delivered a scintillating six-under-par 65, highlighted by a clutch 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole, to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Riyadh Golf Club.
Sitting at 17-under, Niemann leads Americans Peter Uihlein and Caleb Surratt in the US$5 million season finale of the Asian Tour and The International Series.
The stakes are high for Niemann, who has been frustrated with his recent finishes. After tying for fifth in the Australian Open and seventh in the DP World Tour Championship, he’s eager to end his season on a high note.
“After that start, I thought it was going to be one of those days,” said Niemann, reflecting on a round that included four birdies, an eagle, and a single bogey. “I kept hitting good shots, but the putts weren’t falling.
That bogey on nine was frustrating, but I stayed patient, and it paid off on the back nine.”
Uihlein and Surratt Hot on Niemann’s Heels
Peter Uihlein, the leader of the International Series Rankings, carded a composed 66 to keep his hopes of securing the top spot alive.
“It depends on the weather tomorrow, but if the wind stays down, you can go really low here,” Uihlein commented. With 1,000 points available for the winner, the race to the top is far from over.
Meanwhile, Caleb Surratt lit up Riyadh Golf Club with a course-record 61, featuring eight birdies and an eagle.
The 20-year-old rookie, representing Legion XIII in the LIV Golf League, is chasing his first professional victory after finishing in the top three in his two previous Asian Tour starts.
“I played great today, made a bunch of putts, and it felt incredible,” Surratt said.
Other Contenders in the Hunt
England’s Tyrrell Hatton (66), along with Americans Jason Kokrak (66) and Logan McAllister (67), sit two shots back at 15-under, while Thailand’s amateur sensation Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat surged into contention with a stellar 64, moving to 12-under.
The Stanford University student is making the most of his break from studies, demonstrating the skill that earned him his reputation as a rising star.
Defending champion Abraham Ancer from Mexico sits at 10-under after a steady 67, but it’s unlikely he’ll repeat last year’s triumph.
Similarly, American John Catlin, last week’s Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, faded with a 70 to fall to six-under, effectively ending his title hopes.
A Final Day to Remember
With Niemann eyeing his first 72-hole victory since last year’s Australian Open and Uihlein seeking to cement his position atop the International Series Rankings, the final round promises fireworks.
Add in Surratt’s blazing form and the unpredictable factor of weather conditions, and it’s anyone’s game.
The PIF Saudi International, running from December 4-7, showcases the best of golf in the Middle East. As the season finale for the Asian Tour and The International Series, it’s the perfect stage for emerging talents and seasoned pros to make their mark.
For more details on the tournament and the leaderboard, visit www.internationalseries.com.
