Singapore’s Shannon Tan and Italy’s Alessandra Fanali both posted impressive scores of 6-under par, 67 during the third round of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
The duo is now sharing the lead with a total of 9-under par, 210 heading into the decisive final round on Sunday.
The two competitors engaged in a competitive exchange throughout Saturday, with Tan maintaining a one-stroke lead through 17 holes.
However, Fanali caught up with her at the par-4 eighteenth by sinking a birdie, resulting in a shared lead after Tan secured par on the same hole.
Tan made a steady start to her round, recording two birdies in the first four holes, but dropped a shot at the par-4 fifth. She rebounded with two more birdies on the front nine, concluding with a score of 34.
She delivered a flawless performance on the back nine, securing back-to-back birdies at the tenth and eleventh, along with another at the par-4 thirteenth, ultimately carding a 6-under par round.
“I stuck to the game plan, except at hole five where I bogeyed. Everything else went to plan as I hit fairways and greens, giving myself chances,” said Tan.
In contrast, Fanali returned a flawless scorecard, featuring six birdies—four in the front nine and two in the back nine.
After the round, Fanali said, “It was a great day. This golf course is very tough, and with the wind, it is not easy to handle. Today was fun; I had great shots – some good putts, a chip-in as well. I am pretty happy about it.”
The duo currently holds a five-stroke lead over third-placed Samantha Bruce of the Philippines, who sits at 4-under par, 215.
Moving into the final day, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at the PGA Baobab course, Vipingo with Tan and Fanali emerging as the clear favorites to secure the 2024 title.
This year’s winner will take home KES 7.9 million (€45,000) prize and 500 order of merit points on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
The final round is scheduled to tee off at 8:48 AM, with the trio of Katja Pogacar, Laura Fuenfstueck, and Vani Kapoor initiating the action.
The leaders, Tan and Fanali, will tee off at 11:00 AM from the first tee.