Staff WriterIt’s shaping up to be a nail-biter at the Moutai Singapore Open, where Korea’s Soomin Lee held firm to keep his nose in front heading into Sunday’s final round.
The 32-year-old carded a bogey-free 69 to stay level at 15-under alongside compatriot Jeunghun Wang and American James Piot on the New Course at Singapore Island Country Club.
Lee, who began the day two shots clear, battled swirling winds and missed a few early chances but finished strong — draining a two-putt birdie on the par-five 18th to reclaim a share of the lead.
“It was really tough today actually,” said Lee. “On the front nine I had good opportunities but I made mistakes on a few putts, but still I shot two under. And then on the back nine, I thought my back nine would be better than the front nine.
I had many chances to make birdies. But it started getting windy when I played the back nine, it was really tough and I struggled but yeah, I still played bogey free. And even at the last hole, I made a long two-putt for a birdie. Yeah, that was really good.”
Lee’s steadiness comes as no surprise. A one-time winner on the DP World Tour — the 2016 Shenzhen International — and a five-time champion on the Korean PGA Tour, he’s been a regular on the Asian Tour for over a decade.
Yet, an International Series title has so far eluded him. After finishing runner-up twice, including a top-10 in the Philippines two weeks ago, this could finally be his week.
“I will just play my own game tomorrow. I think I’ll play with Jeunghun Wang so it’ll be really fun,” he added.
Wang and Piot in hot pursuit
Jeunghun Wang, a three-time DP World Tour winner, matched Lee’s composure with a superb 67 to pull level at the top. It’s been seven long years since Wang’s last win, but the 29-year-old is rediscovering his touch just in time.
“Actually, I hit it really well today, but my putting wasn’t as good yesterday. So, I’m really happy about my round, and I’ll try to enjoy my next 18 holes,” said Wang. “Actually, the first round it wasn’t windy that much, but the second and third rounds were really windy so I’m really happy about my five under today.”
Joining the Korean duo is James Piot, the 2021 US Amateur champion who continues to make strides in his professional career. Still chasing his maiden Asian Tour victory, Piot rolled in birdies at the first two holes and closed with another on the last to sign for a 67 — a round as clean as his scorecard, with no bogeys in sight.
Asaji and Kim lurking close behind
Japan’s Yosuke Asaji surged into contention with the round of the day — a blistering 65 — leaving him just one stroke back at 14-under alongside Korea’s Bio Kim (67).
Asaji, who tied for second in the Philippines and lifted The Crowns tournament earlier this year in Japan, was clinical with the putter but admitted it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.
“This week it’s been difficult to read the lines on the green, so I’ve been very focused on reading my putts,” said Asaji. “I’ll try to play the same as today and I just hope to go out there and enjoy myself tomorrow.”
Big names out, but tension rising
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond — a past winner of the event back in 2019 — sits just two behind after a composed 68, tied with Kevin Yuan (69) and Ian Snyman (69). But not everyone survived the cut. Scott Vincent, who leads The International Series Rankings, and Kazuki Higa, the Asian Tour Merit leader, both failed to make it through to the weekend.
Filipino Miguel Tabuena remains in the mix at 10-under after a 70, keeping himself within striking distance of the Order of Merit’s top spot.
As the Moutai Singapore Open heads into its final day, there’s barely a whisper between the frontrunners. Lee, Wang, and Piot all have the form — and the scars — to handle the pressure.
The stage is set for a thrilling Sunday finish under the Singapore sun, with an International Series title and a potential LIV Golf future up for grabs.
