Niemann sets course record as he extends lead at Genesis Invitational

By Sports Desk February 19, 2022

Joaquin Niemann extended his lead at the Genesis Invitational to three strokes after an eagle on the 10th hole on the third day at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

The Chilean, who led after both of the first two days, carded a six-under-round of 68 to be 19-under overall, meaning his 194 across 54 holes is a course record. He leads from Cameron Young who is 16-under.

Young's double bogey on the 16th hole opened up a big gap at the top, with Viktor Hovland moving into third with a six-under-65 but he is six shots behind Niemann at 13-under.

Niemann carded four birdies on the front nine, before the highlight of his day with an eagle on the 10th after an aggressive drive.

The eagle took world number 32 Niemann to 21-under before two bogeys in his final seven holes, although Young was unable to make any major inroads.

Norwegian world number four Hovland was the big mover on Saturday, with five birdies on the front nine, although bogeys on the 14th and 15th slowed his charge.

Former PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas is one stroke behind the Norwegian after a one-under-70, while second-ranked Collin Morikawa is a further shot back after his three-under-68 took him to 11-under overall.

Last week's Arizona Open winner Scottie Scheffler also managed a six-under-round to be tied on 10-under alongside Maverick McNealy, Marc Leishman and Max Homa.

Rory McIlroy carded a four-under-67 to be seven-under and tied in a large group that includes three-time major champion Jordan Spieth who struggled with a two-over-73 with three bogeys and one birdie for the day.

Related items

  • Djokovic makes dominant start to Olympic gold medal bid Djokovic makes dominant start to Olympic gold medal bid

    Novak Djokovic began his latest Olympic gold medal bid with a statement victory over Australia's Matthew Ebden at Roland-Garros.

    The 24-time major winner took just 53 minutes to wrap up a comprehensive 6-0 6-1 rout on Court Philippe-Chatrier, to set up a potential second-round clash with Rafael Nadal.

    Djokovic won bronze on his Olympic debut in 2008, but missed out on a medal after finishing fourth in 2012 and 2020, while he was beaten in round one in Rio by eventual silver medallist Juan Martin del Potro eight years ago.

    However, there was no danger of a repeat of the latter this time around. The Serb took just 24 minutes to wrap up a dominant first set, in which he bageled his helpless opponent.

    Ebden remained in positive spirits despite his ordeal. At one stage, he offered his racquet to the crowd, who gave him a wonderful reception when he won his first game of the contest at the 11th attempt.

    Nevertheless, it only briefly delayed the inevitable, with Djokovic cruising to the finish line.

    Data Debrief: Dominant Djokovic soars into second round

    There was no messing around from the 24-time major winner on Saturday, as he was done and dusted in just under an hour at Roland-Garros.

    He converted six of his nine break-point opportunities, while winning 14 of 19 net points (74%).

    The identity of his second-round opponent is still to be decided, but we could well see a blockbuster clash with Nadal.

     

  • Sesko opts for Leipzig stay over Arsenal, Man Utd move due to progress opportunities Sesko opts for Leipzig stay over Arsenal, Man Utd move due to progress opportunities

    Benjamin Sesko remains certain that staying at RB Leipzig is the "right decision" to develop his career after turning down reported Premier League interest.

    Slovenia international Sesko joined Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023, scoring 14 league goals last campaign, a tally bettered by only seven players in the German top flight.

    That form was said to have attracted Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea to the 21-year-old, who instead signed a new five-year contract with the Bundesliga club last month.

    Having committed his future to life at the Red Bull Arena, the striker believes Leipzig will provide a platform for his progression.

    "I thought it through very well," Sesko said to Nogomania, a Slovenian media outlet. "I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things.

    "Leipzig are an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."

    Sesko's new deal could see him stay with Leipzig until 2029, with Marco Rose boasting one of the world's most exciting prospects up top.

    The Leipzig attacker scored from 14 of his 47 shots last season in the league, a conversion rate of 29.8% – the third-best ratio in the 2023-24 Bundesliga among players to have managed at least five goals. 

    That deadly finishing in front of goal will have Rose excited once more, and Sesko says his boss was key to the decision to stay.

    "We talked," Sesko explained. "He told me he wanted me to stay but also said I should decide based on my feelings.

    "He said if I felt I needed to move on, I should go, but if not, I should stay. He's an excellent coach who has led many great players.

    "I'm glad I decided this way. I did it before the Euro to keep a clear head and focus entirely on the championship."

  • Simpson appointed first vice captain for 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team Simpson appointed first vice captain for 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team

    Keegan Bradley has selected former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson as his first vice captain for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

    Simpson, who is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, has lost all three of his appearances in the biennial men's golf competition. 

    The 38-year-old won the U.S. Open in 2012 to secure his first major championship win, and has triumphed in the Presidents Cup on three ocassions. 

    The United States will look to reclaim the Ryder Cup trophy at Bethpage Black in New York next September, having seen Europe win 10 of the last 14 competitions. 

    "Webb is someone who I have long admired and respected as a competitor and friend," U.S. captain Bradley said.

    "He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win.

    "Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September."

    "I am honoured to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a vice captain in 2025," Simpson added.

    "Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights.

    I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader, and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.