Pat Perez opens up four-shot lead at CIMB Classic
Sunday 15 October 2017 12:19, UK
Pat Perez will take a commanding four-shot lead into the final round of the CIMB Classic in Malaysia after firing an eight-under 64 on day three.
Perez led at the halfway stage after opening rounds of 66 and 65, and he continued his daily improvement as he hit back from his only dropped shot of the round at the 13th with four birdies over the last five holes in hot and humid conditions at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
The American veteran picked up three birdies in a solid outward 33 before adding two more at 10 and 12, although he opened the door for the chasing pack with his mistake at the 13th, just his second dropped shot of the tournament.
But Perez responded with three consecutive birdies and signed off with a good four at the long final hole to hit the front on 21 under par, four clear of the in-form Xander Schauffele.
The Tour Championship winner and last season's PGA Tour Rookie of the Year recovered from an opening bogey with birdies at the third and fourth holes, and he broke a run of five pars with a classy eagle at the 10th to keep in touch with Perez.
Schauffele did miss further opportunities over the next five holes, but managed to birdie 16 and 18 to ensure a place alongside Perez in Sunday's final group as he claimed outright second ahead of Sung Kang, who had an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys in an entertaining 65.
Hideki Matsuyama stormed into the mix with five straight birdies on the front nine, and the world No 3 also birdied the final three holes to cap a flawless nine-under 63 - the low round of the day - which lifted the Japanese ace into a share of fourth with a resurgent Keegan Bradley, who also kept a bogey off his card in a 65.
Ryder Cup star Rafa Cabrera Bello put himself on course for something special when he got off to a sparkling start, making birdies at each of the opening five holes before another at the ninth took him to the turn in just 30 strokes.
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But the Spaniard then lost his way as he started the back nine with three consecutive bogeys, and he could only par in from there to card a disappointing 69 which left him 11 shots adrift of the leader.
Paul Casey will also be playing for pride on Sunday after mixing six birdies with three bogeys in an erratic 69, while the highlight of the day was provided by Whee Kim, who won a new BMW for a thrilling hole-in-one at the 15th.
