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Rabat — Moroccan golfer El Mehdi Fakori will carry the home crowd’s hopes into the final round of the International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco after delivering another composed performance at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam on Saturday.
The 26-year-old carded a three-under-par 70 in the third round to move to five-under-par overall, strengthening his position in the tournament and remaining the sole Moroccan representative to make the cut at the prestigious event, which runs from June 11 to 14 in Rabat.
Fakori’s latest round featured five birdies and highlighted his growing confidence on one of the country’s most demanding courses. Despite a challenging start, the Moroccan remained patient and strategic throughout the day, producing a steady display that included an important birdie on the 17th hole.
His third-round effort marked his second consecutive 70 and continued an encouraging upward trajectory after opening the tournament with a 74. The performance also lifted him into the top half of the leaderboard as he prepares for Sunday’s final round.
Speaking to Morocco World News after completing his round, Fakori expressed pride in competing against some of golf’s biggest names while representing Morocco on home soil.
“It’s a real honour to be competing this week, especially alongside Major champions like Bubba Watson,” he said. “I’m so proud to be representing Morocco in the best possible way, and there’s no better feeling than playing in your home country, surrounded by your family and the people you love.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s performance, Fakori emphasized the importance of staying composed after a difficult opening stretch.
“Today was tough at the start, but I stayed strategic and focused, and I finished three-under-par for round three,” he said.
The Moroccan golfer’s strong showing caps a promising run of form during the recent Morocco swing. After narrowly missing the cut at the Asian Development Tour’s Morocco Rising Stars event, Fakori responded with a made cut at the Asian Tour’s Bharath Classic before carrying that momentum into the International Series Morocco.
With the tournament entering its final day, Fakori remains a focal point for local fans eager to see Moroccan golf represented on the international stage. While the battle for the title remains intense at the top of the leaderboard, his presence in the weekend rounds has provided a homegrown storyline and ensured Moroccan colors remain visible as the competition reaches its conclusion.
Bubba Watson Leads Round 3
At the top of the leaderboard, Bubba Watson holds a one-shot advantage heading into the final round after an eventful third day. The American, who began the week strongly, reached cruise control early in his round on the par-73 Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, building momentum with five birdies through his first 13 holes.
However, Watson’s charge briefly wavered with back-to-back bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes before he recovered a shot on the drivable par-4 17th. He eventually closed with a four-under-par 69, taking a narrow lead into Sunday as he pursues his first victory since the 2018 Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour.
Behind him, Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho remain in close pursuit after contrasting finishes to their rounds, ensuring the title race remains wide open heading into the final day in Rabat.
The International Series Morocco has attracted a world-class field featuring LIV Golf stars, Asian Tour champions, and established international contenders, making Fakori’s achievement all the more significant as he heads into Sunday’s final round.
