Hong Kong, Nov 1: Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin maintained his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory at the Link Hong Kong Open, holding a narrow one-shot lead heading into the final round. Despite challenging conditions, McKibbin carded a second consecutive five-under 65 to sit at 20-under, keeping ahead of American MJ Maguire (19-under) and Peter Uihlein (18-under) at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
McKibbin’s bogey-free streak ended early with a dropped shot on the third, but he rebounded strongly with birdies on four, five, six, nine, and 12 before closing with two more on 16 and 17. “The course played tougher today, but I felt solid overall,” said McKibbin, who is eyeing not only the title but also coveted spots at The Open Championship and The Masters.
Maguire produced the day’s fireworks, firing a sensational nine-under 61, featuring a hole-out eagle on the 11th and a flurry of late birdies. “That shot kickstarted everything. I just tried to keep the momentum going,” said the American, a past International Series winner in Thailand.
Uihlein, meanwhile, posted a steady 65 despite late bogeys, staying two shots off the pace. “It was a lot smoother than yesterday — less of a roller coaster,” he remarked.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (66) and veteran Scott Hend (64) are tied for fourth on 17-under, while Charles Howell III and Louis Oosthuizen share sixth at 16-under. India’s Anirban Lahiri (12-under, T18) led the Indian contingent, followed by S.S.P. Chawrasia (8-under) and Ajeetesh Sandhu (7-under).
The Hong Kong Open, part of the Asian Tour’s International Series, serves as a crucial pathway to the LIV Golf League, with high stakes and elite field pressure setting up a thrilling Sunday finale.
