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Tony Finau’s stellar finish and other things you missed from Round 3 of the WGC-HSBC Champions

Jessica MarksburyBy Jessica Marksbury
October 27, 2018

While you were sleeping (or perhaps simply blearily staring at the World Series game that refused to end), the Tour’s top players completed the third round of the first WGC event of the 2018-19 season. Here’s what you missed from the day’s action at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China.

1. Tony Finau’s stellar finish

After a lackluster opening 12 holes, Finau birdied four of his last six (including three straight closing birdies) for a total score of two-under-par 70, which propelled him into the lead heading into the final round.

“I didn’t give up today,” Finau said. “That’s always my mentality. Just keep fighting til the end, and we’ll see where the chips fall. There’s 18 holes to play. This is a world-class field. I’ve got to keep my head down for 18 more holes and just keep doing my thing.”

Finau is seeking his second career Tour win on Sunday. He currently leads by three shots over Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose and Patrick Reed.

2. Defending champ Justin Rose struggled down the stretch

The 2017-18 FedEx Cup champion and current World No. 3 had a tough finish on Saturday. A double bogey on 17 and a bogey on 18 fueled a five-shot swing in which Finau took control of the lead.

But don’t count out the defending champ. Remember, last year, Rose fired a 31 on the back nine, rallying from eight shots behind Dustin Johnson to claim the title.

3. This epic Tweet

And the award for best Tweet of the night goes to … the PGA Tour, for a perfect tongue-in-cheek summation of the longest game in World Series history. Bravo!