Mexican pair Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz joined Sam Horsfield in a three-way share of the lead at LIV Golf's Adelaide stop on Saturday, with major champion Jon Rahm lurking four shots off the pace.
Carlos Ortiz, Sam Horsfield & Abraham Ancer share a 3-shot lead over Joaquin Niemann heading into the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide #SSGolf
— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) February 15, 2025
Ancer nailed six birdies to a bogey in a five-under-par 67 in front of bumper crowds at a blustery Grange Golf Club, while his compatriot mixed five birdies and a bogey in his 68.
British overnight leader Horsfield birdied the last to card a 69 and ensure he stayed in the hunt heading into the final day, with all three nine-under after 36 holes.
"I just tried to stay patient and hit as many greens as possible. I knew the putter was feeling good," said Ancer, who is gunning for a second LIV title after winning in Hong Kong last year.
Albatross denied 🙅♂️@carlosortizGolf is T1 alongside fellow Mexican @Abraham_Ancer on 9-under 🇲🇽
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) February 15, 2025
Watch now on @FOXSports @fs1 now 📺#LIVGolfAdelaide @TorqueGC_ pic.twitter.com/CdvcBq0hmo
"I have a lot of confidence when the greens are rolling nice and firm and fast, so I just try to put the ball in play and don't get in too much trouble because you can make a lot of bogeys out here, especially with this wind."
Ortiz, who is also looking for a second tour win after victory at Tucson in 2023, said the conditions were tough.
"I thought it was tricky. It was just a matter of keeping in play," said Ortiz.
"Same thing tomorrow. Just try to put it in play and then give myself chances."
The trio are three clear of Chile's Joaquin Niemann and four ahead of Rahm, who birdied his final two holes, including a sensational chip-in from the bunker.
The beginning of a great weekend! 🔥⛳️@Abraham_Ancer heads into round 2 of #LIVGolfAdelaide at T4 and in striking distance for a podium finish. pic.twitter.com/oHmjzA6ZE6
— Fireballs GC (@fireballsgc_) February 14, 2025
Fellow major champions Brooks Koepka and Henrik Stenson are a stroke further back.
Once again, bumper crowds produced a carnival atmosphere at the circuit's most successful event, with more than 100 000 fans expected through the gates over the three-day tournament.
Elite from @Abraham_Ancer! 🔥💯
— Fireballs GC (@fireballsgc_) February 15, 2025
Clubhouse leader with 6 holes to play in round 2 of #LIVGolfAdelaide! pic.twitter.com/Pq4eXhXAnr
Former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Niemann went to the turn in the lead.
But while Niemann kept his focus, DeChambeau imploded with five bogeys on the back nine to end six off the pace.
The LIV Tour's 14-stop 2025 campaign teed off last week in Riyadh, where Adrian Meronk won the individual title and Rahm's Legion XIII the team crown.