Sandhu slips as Thailand dominates Taiwan Masters

Indian golfer Yuvraj Sandhu began the day with hope but could not maintain momentum at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, carding a four-over 76 to slip to tied 44th at Taiwan Golf and Country Club on Sunday. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and fellow Thai golfers seized control of the leaderboard.

Sandhu started the third round brightly, making birdies on the fourth and sixth holes. However, a mid-round slump saw him drop four shots in just three holes, with bogeys on the eighth and 10th and a double bogey on the ninth. Late consecutive bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes compounded his woes, leaving him at eight over par for the tournament.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan moved into a joint lead with a solid 2-under 70. He made birdies on the second, seventh, and 15th holes while dropping a single bogey on the 11th to reach six under par. Atiruj Winaicharoenchai, who had led for the first two rounds, stumbled with a 1-over 73. After opening with a bogey, Atiruj recovered with birdies on the seventh and 15th holes, but a double bogey on the final hole dropped him back to six under par, sharing second place.

The leaderboard was dominated by Thai golfers, with Jazz Janewattananond (68-75-70), Suradit Yongcharoenchai (71-68-74), and Nitithorn Thippong (73-70-70) tied for third at three under par. Their consistent performances highlighted Thailand’s strong presence in the tournament, setting up an exciting final round.

Sandhu will look to regroup and improve in the concluding round, aiming to climb the leaderboard and finish the week on a positive note.