Scheffler made the Masters a three-horse race.

Scotty Scheffler leads by three pictures over Cameron Smith whereas Sungjae Im leads twice after the third spherical at Augusta Nationwide; Watch stay protection from the final spherical of The Masters completely on Sky Sports activities Golf from 6:30pm on Sunday

Scottie Scheffler’s 9 quarterback struggles within the third spherical of The Masters created a three-horse race for the inexperienced jacket, in accordance with Dame Laura Davis.

The No. 1 participant on the planet began the penultimate spherical with a five-shot benefit and stretched to 6 throughout a nine-front view, earlier than swinging to permit Cameron Smith to shut the hole by three pictures earlier than Sunday’s ultimate spherical, which is broadcast stay. Sky Sports activities Golf.

Whereas Schaeffler’s stage 71 was nonetheless the most effective rounds at present because the course remained powerful in windy situations at Augusta Nationwide, the American’s late struggles additionally allowed Sungjae Im to get 5 pictures.

Talking after the tour, Sky Sports activities analysts Laura Davies and Butch Harmon each felt Schaeffler opened the door to an thrilling finale.

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Highlights of a tricky third day of the 2023 Masters match in Augusta

“It modified with just a few poor sediments after which 18 occasions,” Davis mentioned. “It seemed like he was going away, he appeared fairly uncomfortable, he was hitting actually arduous, hitting his hurdles the place he wanted to.

“Nevertheless it’s by no means simple, is it? It is by no means simple to get a large enough lead. He is received two guys again on it. I nonetheless suppose it is a three-horse race with Smith and Em.”

Harmon added, “I feel the 2 (Smith and Em) nonetheless have an opportunity. They need to shoot one thing low.

“Will Scotty nonetheless go his manner or is {that a} little bit of what we’ll see tomorrow as he struggles a bit? It is nonetheless his win, however he is additionally shedding.”

Scheffler: Boogie at 18 felt like an equal

Issues may have been worse for Schaeffler, saving a bogey on the 18th after a stray kick compelled him to drop a penalty kick.

The 25-year-old, who’s chasing his first title, fired a 3rd very good shot after hitting it to set the ghost.

“You hate the final gap cheat, however the way in which you cheated, it undoubtedly felt like an equal,” Scheffler mentioned.

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Scheffler led her into the bushes within the final gap of the day however managed to flee with a ghost

“Undoubtedly a very good finish to at present. Wanting ahead to tomorrow.”

Regardless of the belated wobbles, Schaeffler insisted he was having fun with the expertise.

“I felt very comfy,” he mentioned. “I had numerous enjoyable there. I spoke originally of the week about being aggressive, so being on high is enjoyable.

“After I’m within the lead, I attempt to keep forward and never overthink issues – simply go on the market and play golf.

Smith: The gamers’ win gave me the precise to be assured

Whereas World No. 6 Smith can also be chasing his first main title, the Australian gained the Subsequent Greatest Factor award just lately.

Smith gained the Gamers Championship in Florida final month and believes the win “earned him” the precise to hold numerous confidence into the ultimate spherical in Augusta.

Cameron Smith scored one of the best end result within the third spherical at Augusta Nationwide

“It simply means I can get it achieved I feel once I’m up towards one of the best gamers on the planet,” Smith mentioned after capturing four-under-68 within the decrease spherical of the day.

“It feels good to have it. You earned it. It was not given to you.

“So I will need to go there tomorrow and play actually good golf once more, possibly it is just like what it’s at present. I hope every part is in place.”

The place will the professors win on Sunday?

The Masters are identified, amongst many causes, for the inevitable twists and turns that include defining the championship on Sunday afternoons.

Smith laid out a really clear recreation plan for a way he would attempt to bridge the hole at Schaeffler.

“I feel the entrance 9 right here can get away from you in a short time,” he mentioned. “I feel it’s important to be actually affected person up entrance.”

“There are a number of alternatives for the Birds, however I feel it is clear that spherical 9 tomorrow will determine the match. Usually, there are numerous pins within the bowls, and sure, you may give your self numerous seems to be for those who shoot it good.”

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Augusta’s notable names describe what it is like to say considered one of golf’s most prized groups

Harmon’s recommendation to Schaeffler is that World No. 1 ought to keep forward, and never merely search to defend his lead.

“You must exit and play golf,” Harmon mentioned. “We all know these round this golf course that three pictures can go into one gap.

“There are numerous birds on the market, there are numerous shipwrecks on the market.

The one factor I like about Scotty Scheffler – sure, the primary participant on the planet – is that he performs solely inside himself. He is nonetheless the person to beat, there is no doubt about that.”

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