Published July 17, 2008 on July 22, 2018

Asians Relishing a Good Sunday Finish at The Open Championship

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Gavin Green, Malaysia’s sole representative at the 147^th Open Championship, the third Major of the year, is looking forward to the final day of the tournament with the aim of improving his position and finishing with an under-par score at the Carnoustie Golf Links.

The reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion posted an even-par 71 third round score for total 3-over 219 for joint 61^stposition. He is in good company though, sharing the spot with former major champions Henrik Stenson, Brooks Koepka, among others. He trails the leaders Jordan Spieth, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele by 12 shots.

Green said, “It was good today. I hit it good again and kept my irons in play. I just had one bad hole and one three-putt. It was quite painful hitting an OB on a par-five on 14 but still, I managed to save bogey there I gave myself a lot of chances today but none of them really dropped. I am hitting it good so I am alright with the even-par. I wish I was under-par though but it is what it is.

“Hole 18 is a tough hole. I was hitting between a two-iron and a driver and today, I thought I should just hit the driver. I hit it to the fairway, had 190 meters to the pin and hit a six-iron from there and made par. It was just a lot of positives today.”

Green has his whole family supporting him this week. While his father is on his bag and his mother, brother, grandmother and aunties are also there cheering him on from outside the ropes.

“It’s nice to have them here with me and watching me play in my first Major championship. Some Malaysians came out to watch me today as well so thank you to them. I am looking forward to tomorrow, “ said Green.

India’s Shubhankar Sharma celebrated his 22nd birthday at The 147th Open on Saturday, signing for a second straight even-par 71 to tie in 56th place.

“This is the best birthday present for myself, playing in The Open and making the cut. The weather was perfect today too. This is the best way I could’ve spent my birthday. I received a lot of well wishes and I am really happy to receive all the support that I’ve got,” said Sharma.

Starting the round eight shots off the pace, Sharma traded three birdies against three bogeys to trail leaders Jordan Spieth, Kevin Kisner and Xander Schauffele by 11 shots on two-over-par 215 total in the world’s oldest Major championship.

“It was a great day. I would like to have played better than I did but I am very happy that I am playing the round today. I did my best yesterday to try and make it to the weekend. I thought I played pretty well. I just didn’t make enough putts.

“I couldn’t capitalize on the birdie on second but that’s golf. I am happy with the way that I am playing. My hitting was much better than the previous days. I will go try and get my putter going later and then just relax and look forward to dinner tonight,” added the amiable Sharma.

Sharma earned his spot in the year’s third Major after sealing his maiden Asian Tour victory at the Joburg Open last December, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Shaun Norris, who enjoyed a first career pairing with Tiger Woods on Saturday, returned with a 69 to trail by seven shots in tied-28th place. The South African is making his second consecutive appearance at The Open this week. Japanese duo Yuta Ikeda and Masahiro Kawamura posted identical 71s to sit in tied-51st and tied-56th positions respectively.

Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat slipped to 77th position following a 74.