Sarit Stays Cool to Lead SJM Macao Open by Two Shots
Thai contender shows composure under pressure as Rankin and Ding close in at Macau Golf & Country Club
Seoul, Korea - The tournament is set for a dramatic finish after Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut held his nerve to card a four-under-par 66 and retain a two-stroke advantage at 16 under heading into Sunday’s final round of the SJM Macao Open at Macau Golf & Country Club.
The 27-year-old, chasing his first Asian Tour victory since 2023, showed admirable composure under pressure. His lead briefly vanished when playing partner Brett Rankin drew level with a birdie on the 14th, but Sarit responded with birdies at 16 and 18 while the Australian faltered with a bogey on 17.
“I would say some nerves got into me,” admitted Sarit, who has looked rejuvenated in recent weeks after top-10 finishes in Taiwan and Jakarta. “I wanted to really, really play good golf today, and I think I did it pretty well. Yes, think some nerves there.”
Rankin, playing his first full Asian Tour season after earning his card at qualifying school, returned a sparkling 64 to sit two back on 14 under. “I drove the ball great, my iron play was really good today and my wedge game was a lot better than the first two days,” said the 39-year-old Queenslander. “Usually when I’m doing that, I’m shooting good scores.”
China’s Wenyi Ding, just a shot behind Rankin after a 65, and compatriot Wocheng Ye, another stroke back following a 67, lead the home challenge. Korea’s Sungjae Im fired the day’s low round of 63 to join South Africa’s Ian Snyman (66) and Australian Jack Thompson (67) five off the pace on 11 under.
Defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan (69) and American John Catlin, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, are tied on five under, while Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho delighted local fans with a 67 to reach seven under.
With calm winds forecast and a tightly packed chasing group, the final round promises a compelling duel between Sarit’s steady poise and Rankin’s relentless charge.