Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Philippine Juvic Pagunsan will be chipping-and-putting for a $US1m when the rain-affected Barclays Singapore Open is decided Monday morning.
‘Gonzo’ (72) and Pagunsan (67) had ended regulation play atop of the board locked at 14-under par.
But just moments after they returned to play the 18th for a second time, the siren sounded to halt play due to an electrical storm about to hit the Sentosa course.
Play resumed 90-minutes later but with the duo playing only their second shots to just short of the green before a further thunderstorm warning.
However continued storms forced officials to call a halt to play meaning the duo returning to the course earlier today (MON) to decide the winner.
‘Gonzo’ went into the last round leading by three and was four clear with seven to play but came unstuck with three bogeys before finding the water at 18 but forcing the play-off when he holed a 15-foot par putt.
He was so delighted he hurled his ball into the water to join the one that had found the hazard moments earlier off the tee.
“It was a tough day out there and one of the toughest I have ever had,” said Gonzo.
“The heat was brutal and my game was not good. I was feeling the pressure because it has been a long time without a victory and I want this one desperately. I felt the pressure at the end.
“My game was just not there, the putter wasn’t working and I made it tough for myself but at the very end to make that par on the last made my day.
“I finished with three great pars and while we should be talking about pars considering the position I was in, the way I was playing and the way my mind was, it was a big challenge and I managed to hang on.”
And when it was suggested to Gonzo, a winner of four Race to Dubai events, that he and Pugunsan would be virtually chipping and putting for the $US 1m first prize, the father of two remarked: “Sounds funny when you put it like that but we will see what happens.
“My game was not sharp but hopefully it will be better tomorrow morning.”
Pagnunsan, who has the chance also to take up full European Tour membership, would become the first Philippine born player to win on the European Tour.
“I am really happy with how I played and even if I win or not, I’ve really saved my Asian Tour card for next year,” said the 33-year old who lives in Manila.
“I’m really happy so I will go back now and have a good rest and get ready again for the restart to the play-off.”
