Fujimoto takes lead in Singapore Open golf

SINGAPORE: Japan’s Yoshinori Fujimoto fired an impressive closing birdie to card a five-under-par 66 to take the lead after the third round of the Singapore Open Saturday.

His three-day total of 13-under-par 200 gave him a one-shot advantage over Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, who posted rounds of 65 and 66 respectively.

Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat shared fourth place with South Korea’s Mun Doyeob and England’s Paul Casey, the highest ranked player in the Singapore tournament at world number 24.

But it was another disappointing day for defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain as he ended in tied 16th place. He has struggled after being hit by a sinus infection and an upset stomach earlier in the week.

Fujimoto showed no signs of tiredness despite having to return early to the Sentosa Golf Club to complete his remaining 11 holes from his second round.

A number of golfers were unable to finish the second round Friday after play was interrupted by stormy weather.

After snatching the second round lead with a 67, the Japanese held onto his lead by firing four birdies, one eagle and a bogey. “It has been a while since I’ve won. I’m glad that I am in good position to do so now,” he said.

“From the first round, my shots were mostly straight so that was the cause for my good score.” Jazz, 23, fired a flawless round that included six birdies.

He said he was determined to win but added that “there are really a lot of good players out here.

“I will try my best tomorrow. I finished well in my second round this morning. I had three straight birdies coming in. I kind of repeated that good form into the third round today.”

Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, hit five birdies in six holes after the turn to surge towards the top of the leaderboard at the $1 million event.