Agustí Quinquillà (-12) and Mario Galiano (-8) are on the brink of qualifying for the grand final of the Asian Tour School. The third round at the Grand Prix Golf Club in Kanachaburi, Thailand, has left them in a strong position with room to manoeuvre for the fourth and final round of this preliminary stage.
Quinquillà has practically secured his qualification with a magnificent round of 66 strokes this Thursday, with a tally of seven birdies and only two bogeys. His five-under stretch between holes 6 and 11 was majestic. The golfer from El Prat even has the chance to win this qualifier, as he is just one stroke behind the leader, German Nicolas Horder (-13).
Quinquillà’s qualification can be considered a done deal, as he has a seven-stroke margin over the 18th place, the cut-off line for those advancing to the grand final next week. Only a collapse in the final round would prevent it.
Mario Galiano doesn’t have as much leeway, but he is also in an enviable position. Today he delivered a splendid card of 68 strokes, marking the third consecutive round under 70 strokes. Sensational. He made four birdies and a solitary bogey. The key to his great performance is the elimination of errors. In the last 36 holes, he has made only two bogeys. Galiano has a three-stroke lead over the cut, a good advantage although not definitive. Playing under par this Friday should be more than enough.
For now, Galiano and Quinquillà are the only ones in the grand final, although there are other Spanish players with chances. Marc Sabrià (-4), who shot 68 today, has it within his grasp. He is just one stroke away from that top 18. He finished with a great birdie on the 9th hole to get a little closer to the goal.
Similarly, Pep Anglés (-2) should be considered. The golfer from Llavaneras delivered an exceptional result of 64 strokes in the third round, and not only made the cut but also gave himself a chance to break into the top 18. He is three strokes away. If he repeats his performance tomorrow, he will surely be in the grand final next week. Further back, but still with some possibility, is Asier Aguirre (PAR). Tomorrow he will need the round of the week. Lastly, Scott Fernández (+2) has a very tough task ahead, but at least he made the cut to give himself one last chance to deliver a stellar round and make it to the final. His deficit is seven strokes. Very difficult, but stranger things have happened in this sport.
Those who are definitely out of the Asian School Final are Toño Hortal (+4), who missed the cut at the Grand Prix, Luis Carlos González, who withdrew after the first round, and Alejandro Rodríguez, the only Spaniard present at the other course hosting a qualifier this week (Phoenix Golf and Country Club) and who missed the cut.
