Rahm wields magic, Tabuena fights back in LIV Adelaide

MANILA, Philippines -- A breathtaking chip-in eagle from Jon Rahm turned what looked like a costly mistake into a moment of pure brilliance, setting up a blockbuster Sunday showdown with Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf Adelaide.

Rahm, reeling from a wayward tee shot on the par-4 18th at The Grange Golf Club, appeared headed for a frustrating finish. Instead, the Spaniard produced magic. 

From off the green, he clipped a delicate chip that bounced twice and dropped straight into the cup for eagle-2, igniting the gallery and capping a stunning 66.

The shot pulled him back into a tie with DeChambeau at 19-under 197 after 54 holes.

It was a dramatic response after DeChambeau had seemingly seized control earlier in the day.

The American overpowered the course with his trademark length, carding a 64 highlighted by two blistering birdie runs – five straight after an early steady start, then three more from No. 12. He briefly surged three shots clear of Rahm before a lone bogey on the 17th slowed his charge.

Still, DeChambeau stood atop the leaderboard – until Rahm’s late heroics flipped the script.

The stage is now set for a final-round duel between two major champions at the peak of their games.

Behind them, Anthony Kim continued his impressive return, firing a 68 to claim solo third at 202.

Miguel Tabuena, meanwhile, showed resilience amid a rollercoaster round, salvaging a one-under 71 with a strong birdie-birdie finish.

Starting on No. 8, the Filipino ace opened steadily and birdied the par-5 ninth after reaching in two and converting a 10-footer. But inconsistent driving and a cold putter stalled his momentum, highlighted by a missed four-foot par save on the 16th.

He responded in style.

After further struggles early on his front nine, including back-to-back bogeys, Tabuena fought back with a 20-foot birdie on No. 4, added another 10-footer on the sixth, then closed in determined fashion. Despite another errant drive, he rolled in a five-foot birdie putt on the par-5 seventh to secure his second straight 71 following an opening 69.

The late surge underscored his grit, even if it wasn’t enough to move him up the leaderboard. At five-under 211, he slipped to joint 34th in the $20 million event, with ground to make up in the final round.

But if Saturday proved anything, it’s that fortunes can change in a single swing.