Aussie & Swede Sharing Top Honours In Saudi

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Aussie Jack Thompson and Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren share the leading honours heading to the final round of the Saudi Open presented by PIF on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Thompson, the leader by one from Hellgren at the start of theday shot a third-round four-under-par 68, while his Swedish playing partner carded a 67 – in what is the final event of the year on the Asian Tour.

They are 18-under for the US$1million event, two ahead of American Charles Porter from the United States in solo second, following a 65, here at Dirab Golf & Country Club.

Australian Jack Thompson and Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren fought an entertaining ding-dong battle for control of the lead at the Saudi Open presented by PIF today before finishing the day tied for the lead with one round to go.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Ervin Chang (69) from Malaysia are another shot back sharing fourth.

Both leaders are hungry for their first win on the Asian Tour having been regulars the since Tour returned from the global pandemic.

“Didn’t score as well as hoped and did not take advantage of some of the holes coming in but can’t complain,” said Thompson.

“It’s great now, nice when you’re playing on a Sunday to win. It’s a privilege to do that, and obviously not everyone gets to do that. Just gonna go out and really enjoy it and try and finish a year off well.”

After Hellgren made birdie on the first, they were tied before the Swede pulled ahead with birdies on three and four.

Thompson regained the lead with three birdies in four holes from the fifth before Hellgren drew level at the turn after chipping in for a birdie on nine only for the Aussie to regain the lead with a birdie on 10 before it was tied again when Hellgren birdied the next.

The Swede then handed the lead back with a bogey on the following hole before squaring again on 16. And that’s how it stayed until the end, setting up a great finale on Saturday.

“I know I’m going to get to the first tee tomorrow, and I’m going to be nervous and I’m going to be excited, I’m going to be all these things,” added the 28-year-old Adelaide born Thompson.

He won the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2023, and his best finish since then is joint second place at the New Zealand Open at the start of this year, while Hellgren’s best result to date is tying for third in the 2022 Yeangder TPC.

Those personal bests could change significantly for them tomorrow.

Said Hellgren: “Got off to a good start again, was pretty calm, playing well, then started pulling some putts and had to figure that out.  I changed the grip and started rolling it a bit better, it was nice to see a birdie there on 16.

“I feel a little disappointed about my finish though, 17-18, I feel like I gave away at least one shot there. But now I’m pretty happy we’re in the position we have put ourselves in, and have a chance to win a golf tournament tomorrow.”

Porter made it through the 2025 Asian Tour Qualifying School and has got stronger as the year has gone on.

“It was good, I stayed super patient,” said the American, far and away the tallest player on Tour at six foot nine inches.

“Just focused on my breathing, walking, and it worked out. Putting has been amazing. Making a lot of putts for par and birdie, like I said, just focusing on breathing, slow walking and eating.”

Malaysia’s Ervin Chang is playing a blinder just at the right time and setting an example for those players trying to finish in the top 65 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, in order to keep their cards for next season. He is 75th on the list but currently predicted to shoot up and finish in 46th place.

He said: “I’m just gonna do the same thing what I’ve been doing on and off the golf course, keep myself distracted. I’m not looking at the Order of Merit right now, I’ve talked to so many people, and concluded that if you play good enough golf is gonna take care of itself.

“But one big thing that people around me – my girlfriend, my family, my coach, and Scott Vincent reminded me the most – is being grateful and thankful for the opportunity that I have out here right now.”

Japan’s Kazuki Higa now has one hand on the Asian Tour Order of Merit trophy after carding a 69 today to sit at 12 under. The Merit list leader will only lose out if Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, in second, storms through tomorrow and takes the title or finishes second. Vincent, who claimed The International Series Rankings recently to secure a return to the LIV Golf League, shot a 70 and is eight behind the leader.

  • Copy with thanks Asian Tour


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