It was a gripping day at the Moutai Singapore Open as Korea’s Soomin Lee held his nerve to maintain the lead after the third round at the Singapore Island Country Club’s New Course. The overnight leader carded a composed 69 to stay in front alongside compatriot Jeunghun Wang and American James Piot, all sitting at 15 under par heading into the final round.
Lee, who began the day two shots clear, produced a bogey-free round highlighted by three birdies, including a clutch two-putt birdie on the par-five 18th to tie Wang and Piot. “It was really tough today,” Lee said. “The wind picked up on the back nine, but I managed to stay patient and play bogey-free. The last hole birdie felt great.”
The 32-year-old, who finished runner-up on this same course at the 2011 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, will now look to go one better and secure his first Asian Tour and International Series victory. A former DP World Tour champion and five-time Korean PGA winner, Lee’s recent form includes a top-10 finish in the International Series Philippines two weeks ago.
Wang, seeking his first win in seven years, showed flashes of brilliance with a 67 built on six birdies and one bogey. “I hit it really well today,” he said. “It was windy out there, so I’m really happy with my five-under round.”
Piot, the 2021 US Amateur champion, matched Wang’s 67 with a flawless, bogey-free performance, birdieing the opening two holes to set the tone for his round. He’s in contention for his maiden Asian Tour title, having joined the circuit three years ago.
Japan’s Yosuke Asaji (65) and Korea’s Bio Kim (67) sit just one stroke back at 14 under, keeping the leaderboard tightly packed. Asaji, who narrowly missed an eight-foot birdie on the final green, remains upbeat: “It’s been tricky reading the greens, but I’ll try to stay focused and enjoy my game tomorrow.”
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (68), the 2019 champion, joins Australia’s Kevin Yuan and South Africa’s Ian Snyman (both 69) one shot further behind. Meanwhile, Filipino Miguel Tabuena (70) stands at 10 under and remains poised to climb the Asian Tour Order of Merit, with series leaders Kazuki Higa and Scott Vincent missing the cut.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour is celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful, and diverse golf tour in the world. It has built a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries, managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
Since 2022, the International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.
The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. Also, it is an affiliate of The R&A, and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG), which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour – the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award-winning Sentosa Golf Club – a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
