2006 Volvo Masters of Asia - Round 3: Thongchai cruises to two shot lead in Volvo

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee stayed firmly in position to lift the US$650,000 Volvo Masters of Asia for a second time in four years after cruising into a two-shot lead after the third round on Saturday.

Thongchai, who is bidding for his first title of the season and eighth of his illustrious career, battled blustery conditions at Thai Country Club for a three-under-par 69, thanks to four birdies against a lone bogey, and leads on 11-under-par 205.

Malaysia's Iain Steel moved into contention in the Asian Tour's grand finale with a bogey-free 66 and was tied second with last year's Asian number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand (70) and compatriot Prayad Marksaeng (68).

Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza blitzed the back nine with a 31 en route to a fine 68 and will enter the final day three behind Thongchai, a two-time Asian number one.

Jeev Milkha Singh's bid for a fifth title of the year hit a kerb as the Indian, who has already secured the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit title, scrambled to a 72, shooting four birdies against as many bogeys. He is five adrift of Thongchai.

"I stuck to my game plan and played very well. It was windy out there and it was hard to keep the ball on the fairway. I didn’t play the first few holes very well but after that I got it going and enjoyed the day," said Thongchai.

"There are some great players here so it will be tough. But I feel confident about tomorrow. I don’t want to say too much but I came here to win. I have been working hard on my game for the past two weeks to play well here. Winning in Thailand is very important to me."

Thongchai is determined to drive off with the Volvo Masters of Asia title to extend his streak of winning a tournament in every year since 2000. Starting the day with a one-shot advantage, he dropped a shot at the par three third hole but fought back with birdies on the fourth and seventh, both par fives, before back-to-back birdies on nine and 10.

Steel played "smart golf" to give himself a shot at a first title in his debut season on the Asian Tour. The Malaysian produced a controlled performance and sank six birdies to earn a mouth-watering final day pairing with Thongchai.

"Some of the pins, you have to aim away from it. There were a lot of holes out there which I couldn't attack, I had to play smart and get what I could from the round," said Steel, who is of Scottish-Malaysian parentage.

He turned in 32 with four birdies and said a par save on the ninth, after he had driven into trees, kept him on a roll. "I made a great par on nine, got up and down from 20 yards off the green. That kept my momentum going. I then hit it close with a wedge on 10 for birdie and hit a good seven iron on 11 to six feet."

The US-based Malaysian enjoyed one season on the US PGA Tour in 1998 and played on the secondary circuit, the Nationwide Tour for several years before switching his attentions to Asia. "My priority coming out from Qualifying School was to finish in the top-60. Having secured that early in the year, I really wanted to try and win. I've got one more event and we'll see what we can do," said the 35-year-old.

Thaworn jostled with the lead all day with Thongchai, turning in 33 with another exquisite short game display. But he stumbled back with an inward 37. Still, Thaworn is not giving up hope of securing a first Volvo Masters of Asia victory.

"Thongchai might have the advantage for now but that could change in a few holes tomorrow," he said. "The pin positions were very difficult so this score was very good for me. The wind caused a few problems. The greens are already hard and with the wind it was even more difficult to stop the ball. It was very difficult to make a good score.

"I really hope to win. If there is a chance to attack (the pins) I will attack, other holes where the pin is in a more difficult position I will play safe. A lot depends on luck," added the Thai.

First round leader Prayad will change drivers on Sunday after marching left and right all day with errant tee shots. "Even if you're on the fairway, it's tough. If you get in the rough, you can forget about making a score," said Prayad, a five-time winner in Asia. "My driving has been not good, so I need to get that back. I'll use a different driver tomorrow."

Singh, bidding for a unique Volvo hat-trick following earlier triumphs this year at the Volvo China Open and Volvo Masters in Spain, conceded that he has an uphill task in chasing down the supremely confident Thongchai.

"I am not hitting the ball too good, honestly. I think it showed again today. Yesterday was the same but I putted good then. But it's okay. I still ended up with even par. It was a tough day as it was windy.

"I need to put a good score tomorrow but it'll be tough to catch Thongchai. He's a good player and I hope he plays well tomorrow. I'll try to have a good round and not shoot over par for four days and try for an under par finish," said Singh, who is ranked 45th in the world.

Defending champion Shiv Kapur of India fell out of contention after a 74 which left him in tied 25th place on 215.

Leading third round scores
205 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 68-68-69
207 - Iain Steel (MAS) 69-72-66, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 67-72-68, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-65-70
208 - Frankie Minoza (PHI) 76-64-68
210 - Brad Kennedy (AUS) 71-70-69, David Bransdon (AUS) 76-65-69, Charlie Wi (KOR) 71-69-70, Edward Loar (USA) 71-68-71, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 72-66-72, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-70-72
211 - S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND) 70-70-71, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-71-71
212 - Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 68-75-69, Lin Keng-chi (TPE) 68-73-71, Andrew Buckle (AUS) 71-70-71, Yasin Ali (ENG) 72-69-71, Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 69-70-73
213 - Angelo Que (PHI) 72-71-70, Anthony Kang (USA) 76-64-73, Lee Sung (KOR) 69-70-74
214 - Gary Rusnak (USA) 71-72-71, Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 72-69-73, Unho Park (AUS) 70-70-74
215 - Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 71-74-70, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 69-75-71, Simon Yates (SCO) 72-71-72, Jason Knutzon (USA) 71-70-74, Shiv Kapur (IND) 72-69-74

December 16, 2006

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