Mikko Korhonen was merciless toward Al Mouj Golf on Saturday at the Oman Open, thrashing a 7-under-par 31-34=65 that left him on 11-under 205 after 54 holes and tied with compatriot Sami Valimaki, Callum Shinkwin, Brandon Stone, Joost Luiten and Rasmus Hojgaard at the top of the leaderboard.
After going 145 starts without a win on the European Tour the Finn now has the chance to make it three triumphs in his last 41 appearances. He’ll need to withstand a group charge, however. Not only do half a dozen share top spot, there are a total of 15 players within four blows of the lead and this is a course known for its volatile scoring. The 39-year-old went error-free on Saturday, smashing the front nine with birdies at the first, second, third, seventh and ninth. On the way home he ticked the 15th and 18th holes for a second day in succession. At the latter, a tough hole, he left himself just six feet for birdie and made it. He is 1-for-2 with a 54-hole lead, but those two experiences were rather different. He won the 2018 Shotclock Masters when five clear with 18 to play and was T3 at the 2016 Portugal Masters when sharing the lead.