Maan swings into second place in Matoa Open

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Maan Nasim showed that persistent play pays off by moving to second on the scoreboard as other title contenders faltered in the third round of the Rp 100 million (US$13,300) Matoa Nasional Open-Andersen Consulting Challenge Championship on Thursday.

Maan notched a two under par 70 for a two-way tie with fierce rival Kasyadi. They trail overnight leader Stephen Atako-Lindskog of Nigeria by one stroke going into the final round on Friday.

The erratic Nigerian returned to the sloppy form that saddled him with a dreadful start on Tuesday, carding two bogeys for a one over 73. He remains in front with a five under total of 211, thanks to his course record of 63 on Wednesday.

He remains confident of his chances for the winner's Rp 25 million purse on Friday.

"In golf, what happened today cannot augur for what will happen tomorrow. For me, it's more important to work and try harder," Atako-Lindskog said of his topsy-turvy performance.

The Nigerian was not the only underachieving contender of the day. Kasyadi birdied twice but bogeyed three times to notch up another 73, while Sukamdi had to settle for a par 72.

"The course is great, the weather is fine. It's not really hot today, but my putting was really terrible," complained Kasyadi, who is bidding for a hat trick of titles after victories in Surabaya and Yogyakarta recently.

Amateur Sarmilih stole the show when he carded a three under 69, the best score of the day, to jump to third on the scoreboard with a three under total of 213, joining Sukamdi's elder brother, Sumarno.

Sumarno escaped the error-ridden trend of play with three birdies against one bogey for a two under 70.

"Knowing the course really boosted my performance today," said Sumarno of the Matoa Nasional golf course in Ciganjur, South Jakarta.

Friday's roster has Sumarno, Sukamdi and Burhan Bora in the same group. Atako-Lindskog is grouped with Maan and Kasyadi. (yan)

Leading scores (a-denotes amateur): 211 - Stephen Atako-Lindskog (75-63-73) 212 - Maan Nasim (73-69-70), Kasyadi (71-68-73) 213 - Sumarno (72-71-70), a-Sarmilih (76-68-69) 216 - Burhan Bora (71-74-71), Sukamdi (71-72-73) 217 - Sanusi (74-71-72) 218 - Gimin Suwiryo (71-72-75), a-Jerome Deladearte (73-72-73) 221 - Asep Caprie (74-75-72), Edi Sembiring (75-73-73), Ilyassak (74-73-74), Buari (72-74-75), Abraham (74-72-75) 222 - Sudihartono (77-73-72), Cholid Anwar (75-75-72)