Australian Jack Thompson and Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren delivered a compelling duel at the Saudi Open presented by PIF, finishing the third round tied for the lead and setting up a high-stakes finale at Dirab Golf & Country Club.
Thompson, who began the day with a one-shot advantage, signed for a four-under-par 68, while Hellgren stayed right on his heels with a 67. The pair sit at 18-under-par in the US$1 million season-ending event on the Asian Tour, two shots clear of American Charles Porter, who surged into solo third after a brilliant 65.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Malaysia’s Ervin Chang (69) share fourth place at 15 under, keeping the pressure firmly on the leaders as the tournament builds toward its climax.
The final round promises drama after a see-saw battle between Thompson and Hellgren throughout the day. Hellgren struck first with birdies on the opening holes to briefly seize control, only for Thompson to respond with a run of birdies from the fifth. Momentum swung repeatedly, highlighted by Hellgren’s chip-in birdie at the ninth and late exchanges that left the pair inseparable heading into Saturday.
“Didn’t score as well as I hoped, but I can’t complain,” said Thompson. “It’s a privilege to be in contention on a Sunday. I’ll go out, enjoy it, and try to finish the year the right way.”
The 28-year-old Australian, a 2023 Asian Tour Qualifying School winner, is chasing his first Tour title, having previously finished joint second at this year’s New Zealand Open.
Hellgren, whose best Asian Tour result is a tied third at the 2022 Yeangder TPC, remains equally motivated. “I’m happy with where I am, even if I feel I gave one away late,” he said. “We’ve put ourselves in a position to win, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Porter, one of the most imposing figures on Tour at six-foot-nine, continues his upward trajectory after graduating from Qualifying School earlier this year. “I stayed patient and focused on my breathing,” he said. “The putting has been clutch.”
Further down the leaderboard, Chang’s timely run of form could prove decisive in his battle to retain full playing rights, while Japan’s Kazuki Higa tightened his grip on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Higa’s 69 lifted him to 12 under, leaving him in control unless Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent can produce a final-round charge.
With titles, status, and season-long honours all in play, the Saudi Open is perfectly poised for a traditional, high-pressure finish old-school golf drama, delivered right on schedule.
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. 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.
Rolex, Kweichow Moutai and Bluewater are the Tour’s three main partners.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour, the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations – an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award-winning Sentosa Golf Club, a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
