Champ Thongchai takes six-shot lead at Malaysian Open
Champ Thongchai takes six-shot lead at Malaysian Open
Agencies, Kuala Lumpur
Title-holder Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand pulled six shots clear of the chasing pack after the third round of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open on Saturday, poised to defend a title for the first time in his illustrious career.
The Asian number one, who held an overnight two-shot advantage, romped to a five-under-par 67 at Saujana Golf and Country Club as his challengers wilted in sweltering heat in the US$1.21 dollar event jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European tours.
India's Jyoti Randhawa soared with two eagles for a fine 65 to move into second place but has an uphill task to topple the man in form. Irish star Padraig Harrington, ranked eighth in the world, birdied his last two holes for a 67 to force his way into the final group tomorrow. He is joint third with Thailand's 20- year-old Prom Meesawat and Swede Henrik Stenson, seven strokes off the lead.
Thongchai's 19-under-par 197 total matched the second lowest 54-hole aggregate in Asian golf history as he looks certain to join Graham Marsh (1974-75) and Tomoo Ishii (1964-65) as players to win back-to-back triumphs since the Malaysian Open was inaugurated in 1962.
A late bogey on 18 failed to dampen the former paratrooper's spirits.
"I had a good start on the front nine with birdies on the first and third holes which got me going. I hit my irons really well and putted nicely. Everything was perfect again today," said Thongchai, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour.
"It's nice to lead by six shots into the last round. My plan will be the same tomorrow -- fairways, greens and putts. I'm playing quite nicely and hopefully, tomorrow I can go on and win this again. I'm feeling confident," added the Thai, who had seven birdies on the card.
Randhawa made it a day for the Asian Tour, taking advantage of the par-fives with two eagles and one birdie. The Indian, who won the Volvo Masters of Asia in Kuala Lumpur last December, did not want to rule out the prospect of catching the runaway leader.
"It seems tough and Thongchai looks to be playing well and he's a good player. But what can you say in golf. A guy on 11- under can come from behind and win. One more day to go and I'll take my chances tomorrow," said Randhawa, who was second behind Thongchai on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.
Harrington, bidding to better two runner-up finishes in Malaysia, was delighted with two closing birdies which will give him a chance to challenge Thongchai and Randhawa in the final group.
In Toronto, Chad Campbell carded a pretty score on an ugly day with a bogey-free six-under 65 to grab the second round clubhouse lead at the Nissan Open on Friday.
Unfazed by a four-hour rain delay and cool, drizzly conditions at the Riviera Country Club, the 30-year-old American carded six birdies to reach nine-under-par 133 after 36 holes for a three- shot advantage.
Overnight leader and Tour rookie Brian Davis of Britain was among six golfers who never began their rounds and will spend another night tied at six-under in a three-way tie for second with Australia's Robert Allenby and American Kevin Sutherland.
World number two Tiger Woods and two-time defending champion Mike Weir began the day two shots off the lead, but were heading in opposite directions when play was called due to darkness.
Woods, who needs to finish no worse than outright fourth at this $4.8 million event to reclaim top spot in the rankings from Vijay Singh, began smartly with a birdie on the first to sit on five-under with four holes completed.
Britain's Darren Clarke and Luke Donald and Australia's Adam Scott and Stephen Leaney and American Rocco Mediate are also at five-under.