Shoply "Leading Two Days in a Row"..."A Back-to-Back Win in 10 Years is in Sight~"

2020 PGA Tour First Event Sentry Tournament Day 3: Thomas Chases from 2nd Place, Kang Sung-hoon Tied 22nd

Xander Schauffele is teeing off at the 3rd hole on the third day of the Sentry Tournament. Kapalua, Hawaii, USA = Getty Images / Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Xander Schauffele (USA) has taken one step closer to defending his 'King of Kings' title.

On the 5th (Korean time), at the Plantation Golf Course of Kapalua Resort on Maui Island, Hawaii (par 73, 7,518 yards), during the third day of the first PGA Tour event of 2020, the Sentry Tournament of Champions (total prize money $6.7 million), he reduced his score by 2 strokes and leads by 1 stroke (11 under par, 208 strokes). This tournament is a special match featuring only the 34 winners from last year's tour. The 2017 champion Justin Thomas is in second place (10 under par, 209 strokes), aiming to reclaim the top spot after three years.

Schauffele started with a 1-stroke lead, recording 4 birdies and 2 bogeys. He made 'stepping stone birdies' on holes 3 and 5, but consecutive bogeys on holes 8 and 11 slowed him down. Fortunately, back-to-back birdies on holes 14 and 15 helped him maintain the top of the leaderboard. He recalls the thrilling memory of shooting 11 under par on the final day last year to achieve a come-from-behind victory. This would mark a remarkable record as the first back-to-back champion in 10 years since Geoff Ogilvy (Australia, 2009-2010).

Thomas is a player to watch. Known as the 'Man of Hawaii,' he completed back-to-back wins two weeks in a row with this tournament in 2017 and the Sony Open. At the Sony Open, he notably shot a 'magical 59' on the first day and set the 72-hole lowest score record (27 under par, 253 strokes). On this day, he added 4 under par to gain momentum in the chase. Gary Woodland (USA) is in third place (8 under par, 211 strokes). From Korea, Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics) is looking for an opportunity in a tie for 22nd place (1 under par, 218 strokes).

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