Scotland’s Russell Knox defended his decision to go it alone and not complete his third round of the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai yesterday due to darkness.
Playing partners Kevin Kisner, who leads the tournament on 16-under par, and Branden Grace decided to finish their rounds despite the gloom after two weather delays. But Knox opted to walk away from the 18th tee and come back the next day as is within his rights after officials had deemed the light too dark to play.
“Our group spoke on the 17th tee,” said Knox who stands one stroke behind leader Kisner. The trio all played the 17th but on the long par-five 18th, Knox decided he had had enough.  
“Branden and Kevin wanted to get done and it was into the wind. I was like maybe I’ll just wait until the morning and see if I can catch it downwind or no wind. I was happy with my decision,” said Knox.  
“My caddie didn’t want me to play the last and I think, all in all, they maybe shouldn’t have. But they got away with a birdie and a par, so good on them.”
It means the American-based world number 85 will go out at 7:45 am today to play one hole before waiting some three hours to begin his final round in the $8.5 million tournament at Sheshan International Golf Club.
“I’m going to have to wake up a lot earlier, starting at 7.45 am and I won’t tee off the final round until probably 10.45am. It will be a multiple breakfast day tomorrow,” said Knox.
The 30-year-old from Inverness has a previous best finish of third on the US PGA Tour. Today he will play for the $1.4 million first prize which would be by far the biggest pay day of his career.  
But he knows he will have to beat exalted company with world number two Jordan Spieth three off the lead after a superb 63 got him to 13-under par and former champion and world number eight Dustin Johnson right in contention on 15-under.
“It’s going to take the best round of my life tomorrow, so I’m going to have to go for it,” said Knox. “Pars are not going to win this tournament. I’m going to shoot at the pin. Can’t wait for a crack at it.”