Thai
star Thongchai Jaidee put himself in prime position for another
successful title defence when he opened up a two-shot lead after
the third round of the US$200,000 Myanmar Open today.
The Asian Tour number one birdied two of his closing three holes
for a three-under-par 69 and a three-day total of 10-under-par 206
at Yangon Golf Club and heads India's Ashok Kumar, who charged up
the leaderboard with a fine 65.
Overnight leader Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand, struggling with
a sore knee, stumbled to a 73 to fall three off the pace while Australian
Scott Strange was a further shot back on 210 after a 69.
Thongchai, the defending champion, retained his Carlsberg Malaysian
Open title last Sunday and is poised for another piece of silverware.
But he needed a strong finish to pull clear of newcomer Kumar, converting
putts of four feet and 12 feet on the 16th and 18th holes respectively.
"I played quite nicely again but didn't make many putts. I
didn't take advantage of the par fives on the back nine and needed
to save pars on 12 and 17 after errant drives. But I'm two shots
clear and I feel confident of winning again," said Thongchai,
who was also the Myanmar Open champion in 2002.
American Andrew Pitts, joint fifth on 211 with Lu Wen-teh of Chinese
Taipei, India's Arjun Singh and Canadian Rick Gibson, will not be
surprised if Thongchai pulls off a career eighth victory, which
would make him the player with the most number of wins on the Asian
Tour.
"He's got more talent than anyone else right now," said
Pitts, who carded a 72 with 18 pars playing alongside Thongchai
in the final group. "He's 58th in the world and it tells you
something. He does everything well and he's driving it long and
straight," said Pitts, last year's runner-up here.
The unheralded Kumar charged up the leaderboard with eight birdies
against a lone bogey and missed matching the course record by one
stroke. Wielding his putter like a magic wand, the Indian rolled
in several long putts, including a 30 footer on eight, a 20 footer
on 10 and a 15-foot conversion on 17.
"I putted nicely. I'm feeling good about my golf and I'm aiming
for a win tomorrow. I'm not worried about anything, not even Thongchai.
He's Asia's number one player but I have a chance to win,"
said Kumar, who made his debut on the Asian Tour last season and
recorded a sixth place finish in the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam.
The 21-year-old turned pro two years ago but has shown his growing
promise, winning the Indian Tour Order of Merit in 2004 and 10 titles
at home.
A former caddie who grew up at the Delhi Golf Club, Kumar was taken
under the wings of Amit Luthra, winner of the Asian Games gold medal
in 1982. "Amit is my godfather, he gave me golf clubs to get
started and has help shape my career. I have only a country exemption
on the Asian Tour this year and a win will give me full exemption.
I've won at home and it'll be nice for me to win abroad."
A sore knee has not helped Boonchu's cause as he slipped off the
lead with three bogeys and two birdies. "My knee is not feeling
all that good," said the 48-year-old reigning Thai Open champion.
"I've got it strapped up by the Tour physio but I can't really
give it my normal effort, especially in the my drives. There is
also slight pain when I walk but I'll have to carry on and aim for
a good finish. Thongchai looks to be in a good position."
Min Naing was the best placed Myanmar player in tied 25th position
on 217 after he fired a third round 73.
Leading third round scores
206 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 67-70-69
208 - Ashok Kumar (IND) 75-68-65
209 - Boonchu Ruangkit (THA) 68-68-73
210 - Scott Strange (AUS) 69-72-69
211 - Rick Gibson (CAN) 76-66-69, Arjun Singh (IND) 71-70-70, Lu
Wen-teh (TPE) 70-70-71, Andrew Pitts (USA) 69-70-72
Thai
star Thongchai Jaidee put himself in prime position for another
successful title defence when he opened up a two-shot lead after
the third round of the US$200,000 Myanmar Open today.
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