Wang retains lead by one shot at Olympic Golf meet

JAKARTA (JP): Wang Ter Chiang of Chinese Taipei remained top of the scoreboard on Thursday after carding a two-under-par 70 for a seven-under 209 after three rounds of play at the Olympic Golf Championships at Rancamaya Golf and Country Club in Bogor, West Java.

Wednesday's joint leader Danny Chia of Malaysia fell from the lead with an unexpected five-over 79 on Thursday, moving his three-day total at an even par 216.

Indonesia's Ilyasak took over second place after carding an even par round of 72 on the third day. He shot a three-under 69 in the first two rounds.

Compatriot Maan Nasim produced a one-under 71 after shooting a one-over 73 on Wednesday. His overall score now stands at 213.

Defending champion Stephen Atako Lindskog of Sweden and Sanusi of Indonesia finished Thursday joint fourth at one-under-par 215. Lindskog shot a one-under 71 on Thursday, while Sanusi played more convincingly to finish the day with a two-under 70, making up for the two-over-par 74 he shot on Wednesday.

One of Indonesia's best golfers, Kasiadi, trails his compatriots in sixth place at three-over 219.

"I can't play like I used to in the old days. I often ruin my best chances because I lose my concentration. It's because I don't practice much anymore or probably because I get bored," he said with a laugh.

In the amateur division, Indra Hermawan maintained his lead with a five-over-par 77 on Thursday, moving his total to a seven- over 223. Indra, who in the opening round shot a one-under 71, failed to maintain this good form, although he maintained a comfortable lead over his competitors.

One of Indra's main competitors, I Ketut Sugiartha stands at 14-over 230 after carding a 12-over 84 on Thursday.

Play on Thursday began at 6:15 a.m. to allow the final 10 groups to complete their second rounds, which were delayed due to rain on Wednesday.

Thirty-two professional and amateur golfers made the cut of the tournament. The final round on Friday will determine the champion, who will bring home Rp 60 million (US$6,740) and a crystal trophy. (yan)

Results (Indonesians unless stated, a-denotes amateur):

209 - Wang Ter Chiang (Tpe) 70-69-70 210 - Ilyasak 69-69-72 213 - Maan Nasim 69-73-71 215 - Sanusi 71-74-70, Stephen Atako Lindskog (Swe) 73-71-71 216 - Danny Chia (Mal) 69-68-79 219 - Kasiadi 76-70-73 221 - Buari 74-76-71 222 - Jamel Ondo 77-74-71, P Gunasagaran (Mal) 71-77-74, Sudihartono 75-73-74, M Rashid Ismail (Mal) 74-68-80