5 Aug 2018

Campbell bounces back to finish third in Fiji

5:20 pm on 5 August 2018

New Zealand golfer Ben Campbell has bounced back from a disastrous third round to finish in a tie for third place at the Fiji International, two strokes behind winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India.

Ben Campbell.

Ben Campbell. Photo: Photosport

The 26-year-old fired six-under 66, with just one bogey to offset seven birdies, to finish 12-under for the tournament in a tie for third with South African Ernie Els.

Campbell had held a four-stroke lead after opening rounds of 67 and 66, making just three bogeys over the first two rounds.

He couldn't continue that form in round three, carding five-over 77, managing just two birdies through the front nine and amassing five bogeys and a double bogey to sit sixth going into the final round.

"I don't feel like I played anywhere near as bad as what I scored actually," he said afterwards.

"I just had two bad swings that really cost me. It felt like I should have shot 1-over, 2-over at most."

Young Australian Anthony Quayle produced a sensational finish only to be pipped by Bhullar.

Quayle played the back nine holes in seven under par as he shot a closing nine-under 63 to be clubhouse leader late in the $A1.25 million, tri-sanctioned tournament on a windy Natadola Bay course.

However, third-round leader Bhullar chipped in to match Quayle's eagle on the par-5 17th hole and it proved the difference as his 66 gave him a one-shot victory.

-RNZ