This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
Published on June 29, 2019, by Larry Ngala.
Stephen Ferreira of Portugal put up a brave fight to maintain his lead going into the final round of the KCB Karen Masters tournament at the par 72 Karen Country Club course on Saturday.
Despite dropping two shots at the seventh and 15th holes, Ferreira still managed to post a four-under-par 68, thanks to a last-hole birdie after driving it onto the green.
He had earlier made birdies on the second, third, and fourth holes at the front nine, and at the 12th and 14th holes.
Ferreira carries into the final round an impressive 20-under-par, the best so far in the tournament.
“I felt like I was running, though the round was great and decent. I am really happy that I played a good round I am looking forward to tomorrow,” said Ferreira, who planned for the final round with his caddie.
His lead was however reduced to only a shot by the charging South African Toto Thimba, who fired a six-under-par 66 for 19 under 197.
Thimba missed a footer for a birdie at the 18th hole which would have seen him tie for the top spot with Ferreira.
He, however, said he was going for it in the final round where expects a close fight with the Portuguese pro.
“I am so pleased with my round, and particularly reducing his (Ferreira’s) lead. I usually enjoy playing under pressure and I must say the crowd was very motivating, and I hope they will come in big numbers even tomorrow,” said Thimba.
Thimba played a clean round with three birdies at the first nine’s second, fourth, and eighth holes which he followed with more birdies at the 11th, 12th, and 15th holes.
