Manley edges in front

Asian Tour winners Shiv Kapur of India and Australia's Wade Ormsby remained firmly in contention for another grandstand finish when they returned with matching four-under-par 66s to trail Wales' leader Stuart Manley by one after the third round of the Hong Kong Open on Saturday.

The duo, who have one victory each on the region's premier Tour, shared second place at the storied championship after Manley signed for a 66 to take his place atop the leaderboard with his three-day total of 10-under-par 200 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Defending Spaniard champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, who was recently announced as the playing captain for the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM in Malaysia next year, put himself back into the mix when he signed for a 65 to take a share of fourth place alongside compatriot Lara Jose Manuel and England's Steve Webster.

Manley, a European Tour Qualifying School graduate, is well placed to clinch his maiden title and is looking forward to finishing the job in his last 18 holes at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

"I'm loving it at the moment. I've got nothing to lose and I'm just going to go out there and get it done. I feel very confident with the way I'm playing so I'm really excited about tomorrow," said Manley.

Kapur will be looking to put a dent on Manley's title aspirations and notch another Asian Tour victory.

The Indian gave the crowd at the Hong Kong Golf Club a reminder of his talent when he stormed his way back to the top with a flawless 66.

"Today is a day of putting yourself in position. Obviously there's still a long way to go in this golf tournament, but the more birdies I can make today, the easier it will be for tomorrow," said Kapur.

As he stands on the verge of another victory at the Hong Kong Open, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary, Kapur is confident he can maintain his good form and return to the winner's circle again.

"The key is to stay patient and it showed when I was rewarded with my birdies. If I can continue to keep the mistakes off the card, I stand a good chance," said Kapur, who claimed his maiden Asian Tour title in Thailand during his rookie year in 2005.

Ormsby, who is playing in his second season on the Asian Tour, also believes the race for the Hong Kong Open title is still wide open after limiting Manley's advantage to one.

"I knew I could make some birdies coming in and I just have to keep the ball in play. So it was nice to be able to do it," said Ormsby, who traded seven birdies against three bogeys.

The 33-year-old earned his career breakthrough on the Asian Tour in India in April and has since gone on to enjoy another three top-10 finishes in Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.

He is confident of taking the race down the wire when he steps up to the tee for his final 18 holes.

"My game feels good as I made a lot of birdies out there today. There were a few little soft mistakes early on but overall I'm feeling pretty happy," said Ormsby.

The Hong Kong Open is co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association and is the third event of The 2014 Race to Dubai, and one of the last on the 2013 Asian Tour schedule.

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Phatlum wins Dubai Ladies Masters

Pornanong Phatlum conjured a piece of magic on the closing hole to win the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

The 24-year-old from Thailand drilled her approach shot with a 54 degree wedge over the lake guarding the green to within two feet of the cup and holed the birdie putt with little fluster, beating her nearest challenger Stacy Lewis by one shot and becoming the first Thai player to win the season-ending Ladies European Tour event in Dubai.

China's Jing Yan rounded off a great day for Asian women's golf when she closed with a 71 for a total of two-under 286 to take the leading amateur medal.

It was Phatlum who took centre-stage with a stunning charge coming down the stretch to edge past Lewis, who appeared to be on cruise control most of the day. The equation changed on the 17th when the Thai ace drew level with a birdie.

Both players stood on the 18th tee at 14-under, but Phatlum, who carded a closing 66, clinched the title with a birdie while Lewis had to settle for par after her approach from the rough left her with a long birdie putt of around 40 feet.

"I am very excited. I just played my own game and stayed calm under pressure," said Phatlum after the receiving the winner's trophy from Raynald Aeschlimann, vice president, International Sales Director of Omega, in the presence of Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi and representatives of the sponsors.

"I have learned how to stay focused through meditation which I practice with my brother, who caddies for me," said Phatlum, who received a cheque for euro 75,000 for her victory, her second on the Ladies European Tour after the 2012 Hero Women's Indian Open.

"When I'm on the course I just play my game and I didn't think about the win, or like, I don't want to pressure myself."

Lewis said: "I'm disappointed. The back nine that Pornanong played was pretty impressive. She hit golf shots when she needed to and made the putts and I didn't.

"It's been a really good year. It's had it's highs and lows. I've played some really consistent golf."

Carlota Ciganda of Spain ended seven shots behind Lewis in solo third place, followed by Italian Diana Luna in fourth.

The defending champion Shanshan Feng, Laura Davies and Louise Larsson tied for fifth place.

Davies recorded her second best finish of the year after finishing fifth in Sweden, while Feng achieved her target of finishing in the top five.

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Donaldson leads by three

There was no catching Jamie Donaldson at the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Saturday.

The Welshman led by two shots overnight, and will take a three-shot advantage into Sunday's final round after another solid five-under-par 67.

Donaldson got out of the blocks quickly with birdies at the fourth and fifth holes, and then added four more after the turn in the space of just six holes.

His lead might have been even bigger, but for a lone bogey at the par-four 17th, and considering the quality of the chasing field, Donaldson is taking nothing for granted.

"This is one of the best fields in the world and a three-shot lead doesn't mean much," said the Welshman, who won in Abu Dhabi in January and went on to finish fifth in the Race to Dubai in 2013.

"I'm looking forward to the final round. It's going to be a tough day on a difficult course.

"It was hard work out there, even when you are playing well. You can't sit back for a minute, because every hole is difficult. It's very important to stay in the present and keep hitting good shots.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'll play as aggressively as I can and take on all the shots that I would if it was the first day. I have to go out there and play aggressive golf where I can.

"It would be very special to win. It's a great golf course and a great country. I've won twice on the European Tour so far, but every win is special. This would just be a little more special."

Donaldson's closest challengers are American Ryan Moore, a recent winner on the PGA Tour, and Dane Thomas Bjorn, who carded rounds of 67 and 66 respectively. The duo both made significant gains, but with Donaldson not letting up, they were unable to close the gap.

"If you can shoot 66 or 67 (on Sunday) you give yourself a chance and then it's up to other people. You have to try and be as patient as I have been these three days," said Bjorn.

"I have stuck to my game plan and it has worked out well and if I can do that tomorrow hopefully it can add some pressure and you can be there right at the end.

"To chase somebody down on this golf course is just going to get you into trouble so just play sensible golf and try to make a putt here and there."

Sergio Garcia (66), Thongchai Jaidee (66) and Henrik Stenson (69) follow a further two strokes back, while Brendon de Jonge is a full seven strokes adrift after a 69.

Garcia provided some fireworks at the end of his round, producing one of the shots of the day to chip in for eagle on the 14th, following it up with birdies on 16 and 17.

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Nedbank Golf Challenge: Jamie Donaldson stays three shots clear after third round

Jamie Donaldson will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge after retaining his place atop the leaderboard on Saturday.

The Welshman carded a round of 67 on the third day of competition to move to 16 under par for the tournament, comfortably clear of Thomas Bjorn and Ryan Moore.

Donaldson could have been even further ahead but a rare blip saw him record a bogey at the 17th hole to go along with his six birdies on the day.

Moore also signed for a round of 67 in Sun City, while Bjorn shot a 66 to shave one stroke off his deficit to Donaldson.

European number one Henrik Stenson, Spain's Sergio Garcia and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee are a further two strokes back.

"This is one of the best fields in the world and a three-shot lead doesn't mean much," said Donaldson, who won in Abu Dhabi in January and went on to finish fifth in the Race to Dubai in 2013. "I'm looking forward to the final round.

"It was hard work out there, even when you are playing well. You can't sit back for a minute, because every hole is difficult. It's very important to stay in the present and keep hitting good shots.

"I'll play as aggressively as I can and take on all the shots that I would if it was the first day. I have to go out there and play aggressive golf where I can.

Very special

"It would be very special to win. It's a great golf course and a great country. I've won twice on the European Tour so far, but every win is special. This would just be a little more special."

Donaldson birdied the fourth and fifth and saved par on the ninth after finding the water with his approach, before picking up further shots on the 10th and 11th.

Further birdies followed on the 14th and 15th and he was unlucky not to make another on the 16th after his tee shot clattered into the flag and rebounded 20ft away.

Bjorn chipped in for an eagle on the 10th and carded five birdies, his only bogey coming on the 14th when he duffed his pitch having landed in a divot on the fairway.

"I played well today, got off to a good start and was a bit unfortunate on 14 when I laid it up into a divot and walked off with a good six in the end," Bjorn said.

"If you can shoot 66 or 67 (on Sunday) you give yourself a chance and then it's up to other people. You have to try and be as patient as I have been these three days.

"I have stuck to my game plan and it has worked out well and if I can do that tomorrow hopefully it can add some pressure and you can be there right at the end.

"To chase somebody down on this golf course is just going to get you into trouble so just play sensible golf and try to make a putt here and there."

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Stuart Manley takes one-stroke lead into the final round of Hong Kong Open

Stuart Manley of Wales will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Hong Kong Open on Sunday as he heads a tightly-packed leaderboard.

A total of 13 players are within four shots of the leader at Fanling including three-time champion Miguel Angel Jimenez who is now very much within striking distance just two back following a joint best-of-the-day 65.

Manley - who shot to prominence at the World Cup of Golf last month where he followed a hole-in-one with an 11, before finally finishing in a tie for eighth - compiled a 66 to finish 'moving day' at 10-under-par.

The 34-year-old, whose best finish in a regular European Tour event was a tie for ninth in Mallorca in 2011, mixed six birdies with a couple of bogeys to maintain his solid progress after consecutive 67s.

"Pretty much from the first hole onwards, every iron shot was right down the pin," said Manley. "If it had been a good day on the greens it could have been a really low round, so it was disappointing not to capitalise, but I feel very confident the way I'm playing and I'm really excited about Sunday.

"I wanted to be leading after three rounds, and I wanted to be in the last group, so I'm delighted. There's a lot of golf left, but winning would mean the world."

Unfortunate bounce

One of Manley's blemishes came at the 16th, where his approach landed on a sprinkler head on the fringe of the green and cannoned 60 feet beyond the pin.

"I was really unlucky there," he added. "I landed the ball in the perfect position but it hit the sprinkler and went to the back of the green.

"That was disappointing, but I was pleased to get back to 10 under with a birdie at the 17th."

Manley stands one clear of India's Shiv Kapur and Wade Ormsby of Australia who, like the leader, also both carded rounds of 66 on Saturday.

Defending champion Jimenez finds himself alongside England's Steve Webster and fellow Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara at eight-under, with Joel Sjoholm, Alex Cejka and Prom Meesawat a further shot back.

Overnight leader Jbe Kruger saw his chances of victory all but evaporate on the back of a disappointing three-over 73 that included four bogeys and a double.

That left the South African six shots off the pace down in a tie for 21st at four-under-par.

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Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum produces stunning finish to pip Stacey Lewis to Omega Dubai Ladies Masters title

Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum claimed the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters title in brilliant fashion on Saturday, edging out world number three Stacy Lewis in a final-round duel.

British Open winner Lewis began the day with a two-shot lead and led by three when she birdied the second, third, eighth and 10th to improve to 15-under-par.

Phatlum reduced the gap with birdies on the 13th and 14th but Lewis looked to have struck a decisive blow when she hit her approach to the 17th to five feet.

However, Phatlum's second shot was even better and after Lewis had missed, the 24-year-old holed for birdie to draw level before an even better approach to the par-five 18th left her a tap-in birdie to complete a superb 66 and seal victory.

Lewis had missed from long range to force a play-off and had to settle for a closing 69, with Spain's Carlota Ciganda a distant third, seven shots adrift.

English teenager Charley Hull finished in a tie for eighth place to secure rookie of the year honours on the Ladies European Tour.

"I am very excited. I just played my own game and stayed calm under pressure," Phatlum said. "I have learned how to stay focused through meditation which I practice with my brother, who caddies for me.

"When I'm on the course I just play my game and I didn't think about the win. I don't want to pressure myself."

Lewis said: "I'm disappointed. The back nine that Pornanong played was pretty impressive. She hit golf shots when she needed to and made the putts and I didn't. It's been a really good year. It's had its highs and lows. I've played some really consistent golf."

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Tiger Buzz: What to watch in No. 3 Auburn's SEC Championship game against No. 5 Missouri

This game will determine...

Who wins the SEC Championship, and possibly who heads out to Pasadena to play in the BCS National Championship Game. From all indications by BCS experts this week, either Auburn or Missouri needs some help, likely from Michigan State, to land a spot in Pasadena, but if either Ohio State or Florida State loses, the SEC Championship Game winner is headed to Pasadena. If the two main undefeated teams hold serve and punch their tickets to the BCS National Championship Game, then the SEC Championship Game winner has a conference championship no one saw coming and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.

Three things to look for

1. Auburn's ability to protect Nick Marshall. After the way Auburn ran the ball against both Georgia and Alabama, it would be a mistake to think that Marshall and the SEC's leading rusher, Tre Mason, won't be able to churn out yards against Missouri's 14th-ranked rush defense. When Auburn does have to throw the ball, though, the offensive line, in particular tackles Greg Robinson and Avery Young, have a tough task against Missouri defensive ends Michael Sam and Kony Ealy. 

2. Missouri quarterback James Franklin on the move. Auburn has struggled at times to defend mobile quarterbacks scrambling out of the pocket, and Franklin's as mobile as any quarterback in the SEC with 412 yards this season and a 1,000-yard season in his past. Auburn has to be careful to stay in its rush lanes and collapse the pocket, shutting down running lanes, and both Jake Holland and Kris Frost will have to tackle well in open space when Franklin breaks the pocket.

3. How does Auburn handle Missouri's empty sets? The last time that Auburn played a true spread passing team in Texas A&M, Ellis Johnson went with six and seven defensive backs for most of the game, putting more speed on the field to combat the receivers and Johnny Manziel's elusiveness. Missouri could force Auburn into the same types of situations, and Auburn's secondary has to hold up against a tall, rangy group of receivers that is spread across the field. 

Key matchup

Auburn's secondary vs. Missouri's wide receivers. The three-headed monster that is Dorial Green-Beckham, L'Damian Washington, Marcus Lucas has combined for 143 catches, more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, and all three are taller than 6-4. Auburn's secondary ranks 13th in the SEC and has struggled against experienced opponents. For Auburn to win the SEC title, cornerbacks Chris Davis,Jonathon Mincy, Jonathan Jones and company have to turn in their best game of the season. 

By the numbers

44 — Years since Missouri won a conference championship. Missouri last earned a conference title in 1969, when the Tigers shared the Big Eight title with Nebraska.

Significant injuries

Auburn — WR Jaylon Denson (knee) out; DT Jeff Whitaker (knee) out; LB Justin Garrett (foot) out; S Josh Holsey (knee) out; JaViere Mitchell (concussion) probable

Missouri — DT Marvin Foster (bicep)

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European Tour Pays Its Respects To Nelson Mandela.

“It is a very sad day,” said four time Major champion Els. “We have lost one of the iconic leaders of our time. You cannot say anything bad about the man. He was the father of our country and our continent.

“He was our President and the man who changed our lives. It could have been so different in South Africa but he kept his head and kept everyone going forward – he was just the most amazing person I have ever met.”

O’Grady said: “Ernie’s eloquent and moving tribute to Mr Mandela speaks for everyone at The European Tour. Our condolences go to the Mandela family and indeed to all of the people of South Africa, who have lost one of the most inspirational leaders in history.

“Through our co-sanctioning partnership with the Sunshine Tour, we at The European Tour feel a specific kinship with South Africa and we will join the people of South Africa and all around the world to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of this remarkable man.”

Thomas Björn, Chairman of the Tour’s Players’ Committee, is playing alongside Els at the Gary Player Country Club.

He said: “It is a very sad day. He changed this country completely and was just one of the great men in history. His example is one we should all follow and anyone you meet who had the honour of meeting the man tells you of his aura and the sense of inspiration he gave to everyone.”

Sergio Garcia, the first round leader of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, added: “It’s sad to lose Madiba, not only for South Africa, but for the world. He was such a great man and did so many great things for humanity. He was someone to look up to. He’s passed away, but I’m sure he’s looking down on us and making sure that we stay on track.”

Three of the Tour’s South African Members also in action at Sun City added their own tributes.

Louis Oosthuizen said: “We’ve been expecting it, but it doesn’t make it any easier. The country is definitely going to mourn him, and it will always miss him.”

Branden Grace said: “It’s a sad, sad day, not only for us, but also for the whole world. He was a true inspiration. He was one of the people I would truly have loved to have met.”

Richard Sterne said: “We’ve lost our biggest hero. He went through so much, so in a way, it’s good that he’s at peace now.”

Many of the Tour’s Members took to social media platform twitter to make pay their respects. Of all the tweets sent out over the past 12 hours, the words of South African George Coetzee struck one of the most poignant notes.

“The father of our nation has closed his eyes so that the rest of the world may open theirs”.

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