[Macao SAR, 18 October, 2025]:  Sarit Suwannarut held off the chasing pack to maintain his lead in the SJM Macao Open today, after a third-round four-under-par 66.

MACAU, CHINA: Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand pictured during Round Two on Friday October 17, 2025 at the Macau Golf and Country Club during the SJM Macao Open. The US$1 million Asian Tour event is staged from October 16-19, 2025. Picture by Paul Lakatos/IMG.

He takes a two-shot lead, on 16-under, over Australian Brett Rankin into tomorrow’s final round – here at Macau Golf & Country Club.

Rankin carded a 64, while China’s Ding Wenyi is a stroke back after a 65, with his compatriot Wocheng Ye another shot behind following a 67.

Sarit, chasing his third title on the Asian Tour but first since 2023, started the day with a three-shot lead and that was the gap at the turn.

Playing-partner Rankin caught him with a birdie on the 14th but cool-headed Sarit retaliated with birdies on 16 and 18, while the Australian dropped a shot on 17.

Sarit only made one bogey, on the 10th, and admitted to feeling the pressure of being in contention for the first time in a while.

“I would say some nerves got into me,” said the powerfully built 27-year-old.

“I am pretty excited to play good golf again. I mean, I wanted to really, really play good golf today. And I think I did it pretty well. Yes, think some nerves there.”

He’s been particularly impressive off the tee with his driver and when asked if this is the best he has hit it, he said: “Actually, I’ll say yes, but at the beginning of the year, it’s not like this. It went everywhere, but now, now I kind of get some feeling of it, so I’ll try to stay hitting a good driver tomorrow.”

“I will try to stay positive as possible tomorrow,” he added. “I try to focus on what I have to do. Try to commit to the shot and hit it and stay aggressive. That’s all I’m going to do tomorrow.”

Rankin, who is playing his first full season on the Asian Tour having successfully negotiated qualifying school at the end of last year, is enjoying one of the finest tournaments of his career outside of Australia.

“It was a lot more complete than the first two days,” he said of his round today.

“I drove the ball great, my iron play was really good today and my wedge game was a lot better than first two days. I played well, so sort of ticking all the boxes at the moment tee to green, on the greens and around the greens. So usually when I’m doing that, I’m shooting good scores.”

Korean Sungjae Im (63), Ian Snyman (66) from South Africa, and Australian Jack Thompson (67) are next placed five behind the leader, on 11 under.

Hong Kong number one Taichi Kho returned a 67 and is seven under, while American John Catlin, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who shot a 59 on this course last year, also fired a 67 and is five under, along with defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan, in with a 69.

In its 22-year history, the Macao Open has grown to become a highlight on the Asian Tour calendar, graced by major champions such as Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, and Vijay Singh. Zhang Lianwei, the pioneer of golf in China, has won the prestigious event twice and is the only golfer to have defended his title in the tournament’s history.

For the first time on the Asian Tour, fans will be able to track their favorite players with the Player Locator. By scanning QR codes at various locations around the course, visitors can access the SJM Macao Open 2025 interactive map to follow the action in real-time.

In alignment with SJM’s commitment to the community, admission to the SJM Macao Open 2025 is free. Fans are encouraged to register, with each person able to request up to four complimentary tickets. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com.