Two-way tie atop Jamaica Open

HANOVER, Jamaica:

The race for the 2026 Jamaica Open presented by Vybwear tightened considerably as the second round concluded at the challenging Tryall Golf Club in Hanover.

Nicholas Estrada and Justin Hastings are deadlocked atop the leaderboard on nine-under-par 135 heading into today’s final round.

Florida-based Estrada followed up his opening-round 66 with a steady three-under-par 69 on Sunday.

His scorecard reflected remarkable consistency, as he negotiated the front nine in one-under-par before improving to two-under on the back nine.

With six birdies and three bogeys in his round, Estrada credited his faith for helping him navigate a difficult day on the course.

“I want to thank God because it is a fight out there,” said Estrada. “My game feels a bit off, especially the last six holes as the wind starts to pick up, which makes the course tighter.”

“I am going out there to win; whether that happens, I am going to leave it all out on the table, and hopefully I walk away with the trophy.”

Hastings, of the Cayman Islands, matched Estrada’s 69 to remain tied for the lead.

His round showcased plenty of resilience. After a double-bogey on the par-three second hole threatened to derail his challenge, he responded impressively.

Hastings carded a three-under-par 33 on the back nine, highlighted by an eagle on the par-five 11th hole.

“My round was a bit sloppier than yesterday,” said Hastings. “I putted really poorly on the front nine. I kind of flipped it on the back nine with some great shots, but hopefully I put in a better shift and let’s see how things pan out on the final day.”

Just six strokes adrift of the leaders, Canada’s Ty Celone and American Tyler Stachkunas are tied for third at three-under-par overall.

Celone appears to be peaking at the right time after firing a flawless three-under-par 69, combining a steady stream of pars with timely birdies to remain within striking distance.

Overnight leader Stachkunas, meanwhile, endured a roller-coaster round.

After reaching two-under-par on the front nine, he struggled on the inward half. A triple-bogey on the closing par-four 18th capped a disappointing four-over-par 76, dropping him into a share of third place on 141.

Further down the leaderboard, Cougar Collins, John Baptiste Hakizimana and Mac McClear are among a group of players tied at two-under-par and still within range of a final-round charge.

Justin Burrowes continues to fly Jamaica’s flag after carding a one-under-par 71 to add to his opening-round 71, leaving him in eighth position.

In the Amateur Men’s division, Barbados’ Xavier Wiggins has taken control of proceedings.

Wiggins fired a one-under-par 71 to move to two-over-par for the tournament, opening up a three-stroke lead over American Nikolaus Neal.

Allan McLean continues to lead the Senior Pro section, while Canada’s Edward Atwell holds the advantage in the Senior Amateur category.