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Singh extends his lead in Japan

Jeev Milkha Singh solidified his position on top of the leaderboard after a three-under-par 67 at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2006 on Saturday.

The in-form Indian talent, looking to book his place in the top-50 on the Official World Golf Ranking, gained a four stroke lead with an 11-under-par 199 total. Wayne Perske shot a 69 in second place while China’s top golfer Liang Wen-chong climbed up to tied third position after a steady 68.

Carrying his momentum from last week, Singh had a dream start striking birdies in the first three holes. After a dropped shot on the fourth, Singh replied with two more birdies on the sixth and 10th holes. He struck another bogey on the 11th but held his game as he parred the remaining seven holes.

Singh has been enjoying tremendous form this year as aims for his second win in Japan. After success at the Volvo China Open in April and Volvo Masters in Spain in October, Singh chalked up a third win at the Casio World Open last week. He was also crowned the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit winner after a joint third finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The 34-year-old Singh is currently ranked 55th in the world. He is looking for a strong result this week as it would place him in the top-50 for an invite to the US Masters next April.

Yeh Wei-tze was in joint 13th position after a 67 while Hur Suk-ho fired a low 66 for tied 17th place.

Former Asian Tour regular Kim Felton shot a 68 and stormed to the top of the leaderboard alongside Graeme Storm of England and Australian Marcus Fraser at the Blue Chip New Zealand Open 2006. With five birdies against two bogeys in day three, Felton achieved a five-under-par 208 total at the Gulf Harbour Country Club.

Australia’s Brad Kennedy was in tied 13th place after a 70 together with compatriot Jarrod Moseley as he struck a 73. Also in joint 13th position was first round leader Scott Strange who endured a disappointing run after a 74. David Bransdon shot a similar score in tied 20th place three strokes off the pace.

December 2, 2006