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.