Scott Hend takes a two-shot lead going into final round of Macau Open
Australian, who is defending champion, expects a tough battle down to the wire as several rivals are nipping at his heels
In-form Australian Scott Hend predicted a battle to savour as he attempts to defend his Venetian Macau Open title today, entering the last round with a two-shot lead over talented Indian Anirban Lahiri with a host of others snapping at his heels.
Hend, who won the Hong Kong Open last Sunday, will be hoping lightning strikes twice as he comes face to face with Lahiri, the man who he defeated in last year's triumphant run at the Macau Golf and Country Club.
But you got to hand it to Hend. Despite the burden of defending his patch at the tricky Coloane course, a feat which has only been accomplished once in the 16-year history of the tournament - China's Zhang Lianwei winning in 2001 and 2002 - Hend deftly turned the heat on the pretenders to his crown saying it would be they who would be under pressure.
All the pressure will be on the chasing pack, but yes, it will be nice to defend
"I already have my name on the trophy and there will be no pressure on me.
"All the pressure will be on the chasing pack, but yes, it will be nice to defend," Hend said.
"I'm going to try my hardest and will not give up.
"Whoever wins, it will be a good battle."
