In the history of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, no Asian golfer has managed to lift the coveted Mother of Pearl Trophy.
All that could change in the event’s landmark 20th edition if Wang Jeunghun continues his blazing form that saw the 21-year-old South Korean shoot a bogey-free 65 to take a three-shot lead into today’s final round.
Wang was among the record-breaking nine-player leading group who started the day in a tie at eight-under, but burst away from the rest in spectacular fashion, sinking three birdies on the front and four on the return to move to a three-day 15-under total and finish three shots ahead of playing partner Jaco Van Zyl (68) of South Africa, and Spain’s Nacho Elvira (68), who are both seeking a first European Tour win.
South Africa’s Thomas Aiken (68) was fourth on 11-under, one ahead of 2016 Ryder Cup players Rafa Cabrera Bello (66) of Spain and Andy Sullivan (70) of England, Englishman Nathan Kimsey (66), Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70) and Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren (67).
Among the star draws, four-time major winner Ernie Els (71), World No. 10 Alex Noren (71) and 2013 champion Chris Wood (70) were on seven-under, two-time major winner Martin Kaymer (68) was six-under and 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell (70) was five-under.
Wang, the 2016 European Tour Rookie of the Year who won back-to-back titles in Morocco and Mauritius last May, shot 69 and 67 in the opening rounds heading into the weekend and looks in pole position to break Asian’s title jinx at the European Tour event at the Doha Golf Club.
“I got a lot of confidence from the fans. A couple of them brought a Korea flag, so I felt really great,” said Wang, who will again play with Van Zyl today. The duo tee off at 12.05pm.
“My irons are really good now. That was the key to seven-under and my putting was really good, too. Everything’s good right now. I don’t want to think about winning, I just want to focus on my own game. I have a good chance to win,” he added.
Wang is playing the CBQM for the first time, but admitted he’s enjoying a love affair with the Doha Golf Club course, which has produced a star-studded list of champions including Els, Adam Scott, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia in the past. “I like this course. I like the wind. I like the green conditions. It’s pretty nice for me, it suits my game,” he said.
Since struggling to two-over-par after his first three holes in Thursday’s opening round, Wang has only carded one bogey in his next 51 holes.
“The wind is similar to the courses where I won, but the course is different. I’m so excited about tomorrow. Right now there are no nerves, but tomorrow … I’m not sure yet!” added the youngest men’s player in last year’s Olympic golf tournament in Rio.
Thailand’s Kiradech, who was in the group ahead of Wang, tipped Wang to win his third and biggest European Tour title, but believes there are many other players in with a chance.
“I heard a lot of cheers behind me all day. I didn’t see anything because the game was so fast because it was two-balls, but I knew what was going on,” said Kiradech, who played with Wang in a three-ball on the first two days. “He has a lot of confidence right now and in his position, it’s a good chance to take the trophy. I remember he was two-over after his first few holes, so to finish the third round 15-under shows he’s the hot player in the field. But there are 18 more holes and if the wind picks up, anything can happen.”
Leading scores (after 3rd round)
201: Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 69-67-65
204: Jaco Van Zyl (RSA) 67-69-68, Nacho Elvira (ESP) 67-69-68
205: Thomas Aiken (RSA) 68-68-69
206: Andy Sullivan 68-68 70 (GBR), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 66-70-70, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 67-72-67, Nathan Kimsey 66-74-66 (GBR), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 70-70-66
207: Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 69-69-69, Paul Dunne 67-70-70 (IRL), Romain Langasque (FRA) 70-70-67
208: Anthony Wall 68-69-71 (GBR), Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 65-71-72, Jordan Smith 71-66-71 (GBR), Oliver Fisher 70-70-68 (GBR), Nino Bertasio (ITA) 71-69-68
209: Chris Wood 69-70-70 (GBR), Alex Noren (SWE) 68-70-71, Ernie Els (RSA) 68-70-71, Ryan Fox (NZ) 72-70-67, Bradley Dredge (GBR) 64-72-73.