Amateurs shine at Open

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian golfers being groomed for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games offered tough opposition to their seasoned rivals on the third day of the Rp 350 million (US$36,000) 2001 Olympic Open at the Taman Dayu Golf Club in Pandaan, East Java, on Thursday.

The amateur leader, Indra Hermawan, carded a one-under-par 73 on the penultimate round to go second on the leaders board with an aggregate two-under-par 214.

Six strokes behind was teammate Suprapto, who produced three- under-par 71 to finish fourth along with professional Bachtiar, who carded one-under-par 73 on Thursday.

Another SEA Games golfer, Inam Zarems produced five-over-par 77 to share 10th place with pro Buari who managed only a one- under-par 73 for a total score of 229.

Meanwhile, Bangkok-based Greg Hanrahan maintained his lead after scoring two-under-par 70 after the third round. He left overnight co-leader Jakarta-based Swede Stephen Atako Lindskog who only carded one-under-par 71.

Connecticut native Hanrahan moved clear on the top after going out with 35 and returning home with another 35. He made two birdies at the fourth and 13th holes for an aggregate 210.

"I tried to play steadily today and expect the same play on Friday to grab the title," Hanrahan said.

Overnight co-leader Lindskog shot 35 on the first nine and 36 on the back nine with two birdies at the second, seventh and 15th holes. He could have maintained the joint lead had he not miscalculated bogies at the ninth and 17th holes.

Meanwhile, veteran Maan Nasim stayed in fourth place overall, or third among the pros, after a disappointing result of two-over-par 76.

"I could not concentrate and play as I had expected today," he said.

Friday is the final day and will be followed by a pro-am event on Saturday. (nvn)