'PO 1st Place' Im Sungjae "Tied 16th, 5 Strokes Behind"…Shoply Leads

Charles Schwab Challenge Day 3: Thomas at 3 Under Par Ties for 2nd in Title Race, McIlroy Tied for 9th

Im Sung-jae is putting on the 8th hole on the third day of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Fort Worth, Texas, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "5 strokes behind the leader."

'PO Ranking No.1' Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) reduced 3 strokes on the third day of the Charles Schwab Challenge (total prize money $7.5 million) held on the 14th (Korean time) at Colonial Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas, USA (par 70, 7,209 yards), securing a tie for 16th place (8-under 202). Xander Schauffele (USA) leads (13-under 197), and a fierce battle is underway among five players tied for 2nd place (12-under 198), including Justin Thomas (USA).

Im Sung-jae started tied for 19th and recorded 4 birdies and 1 bogey. He made his first birdie on the 6th hole (par 4). He gained momentum with consecutive birdies on the 12th and 13th holes in the back nine, and the bogey on the 14th hole (par 4) was recovered with a birdie on the 15th hole (par 4). Although his iron shots were shaky, his crisis management skills in maintaining par stood out. He is 5 strokes behind Schauffele, leaving plenty of room for a final day victory contest. An Byeong-hun (29) is following at tied 48th place (3-under 207).

Schauffele surged to the lead by shooting 4-under par for two consecutive days. Justin Thomas's performance is especially important for Im Sung-jae. Thomas secured two early wins last year in October at The CJ Cup and in January at the Sentry Tournament, and is competing for the title as the top money earner and PO Ranking No.2. He also showed strong form today with 4 birdies. Jordan Spieth (USA) appeared as a dark horse, tied for 2nd place.

World No.1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is also watching for an opportunity from tied 9th place (10-under 200). It is interesting that McIlroy defeated Schauffele in a playoff at the HSBC Champions last November, which counts toward the 2020 season. Above all, his consistency is powerful, having finished in the 'top 5' in all six tournaments this season. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) is tied for 9th, while 'Number 3' Brooks Koepka (USA) remains tied for 33rd place (5-under 205).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.