Leishman contends in Saudi Arabia Smith misses cut
Abraham Ancer – photo Asian Tour
The top of the leaderboard in the opening event of the 2023 Asian Tour season, the US$5 million PIF Saudi International, is littered with LIV Golf members but there are plenty of others within striking distance who might take an opportunity to grab the riches of one of the Asian Tour’s most lucrative event.
Mexico’s Abraham Ancer leads by one over American Cameron Young but in a share of 3rd place and three shots from Ancer are Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, Australian Marc Leishman and South African Louis Ooosthuizen.
Leishman’s fellow Australian but not a LIV Golf member, Lucas Herbert, is another shot back in 6th place.
Ten Australians made the cut but one who did not was Cameron Smith who despite improving four shots from his opening round of 73 missed out by two shots on making it to the weekend.
Leishman who has been out of form in recent times played in the stunning morning conditions of day two and took full advantage. The highlight of his second round was a holed shot from the fairway at the 10th.
“Hit a 3-iron off the tee and then had perfect yardage with my gap wedge,” said Leishman. “Hit a good shot, landed about a foot past it, a foot right of it, and spun back into the hole. They’re sort of unexpected, but it’s nice when they happen.
“Yeah, really happy. Yesterday to have two under in that weather was pretty pleasing. Then to come out this morning and to put a low one on the board in more benign conditions was pretty satisfying as well. Happy with the start.”
