2007 Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open - Round 3: Vijay stretches his lead to four

World number 12 Vijay Singh remained on track for his second win in Korea when he blasted a one-under-par 70 in the third round at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open on Saturday.

Singh, who has won 31 titles on the US PGA Tour, shot four birdies against three bogeys and extended his lead to four strokes over Korean duo of Lee In-woo and Kang Kyung-nam who both fired matching 69s to lie in tied second place at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

Asian Tour’s Adam Groom fired the lowest round of the week after a 65 pushed him up to tied fourth spot as he was tied alongside American-based Anthony Kang who was even-par for the day and five strokes adrift in the US$1 million event.

China’s Liang Wen-chong, the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit leader, enjoyed a steady run with a 71 in lone sixth place after a 211 total. Defending champion Yang Yong-eun carded a 72 alongside compatriot Kim Hyung-Sung who shot a 73 in a tie for seventh place. Korea’s Bae Sang-moon improved with a 69 also in joint seventh place.

Singh was even-par after 17 holes before a final three-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole cemented his lead at the top of the pack with an eight-under-par 205 total.

“I was steady from tee to green today. The greens are firmer but the pins remain difficult. The wind picked up today too and it was a real challenge to get the ball close to the hole. But I played good and had a steady round so overall, I am quite pleased,” said Singh.

“The highlight was the birdie putt at the last hole. I’m glad I’ve been playing well this week. I’ve been on a tight schedule since I arrived but I’ve been getting enough rest so I don’t feel tired. I will do what I did today when I head into the final round tomorrow. I hope to keep it in play and hit a couple of birdies. I have to play smart more than cautious on Sunday,” he added.

With four birdies against two dropped shots, Kyung-nam, who claimed third place last year, hopes to take on a more aggressive approach as he is eager to close the gap on Sunday.

“I was quite cautious today. I would like to aim for a much lower round tomorrow and will be all out to catch up with Singh. I realise that I have a chance to win this week and I will work hard towards that goal in the final round,” said Kyung-nam.

Groom, 28, enjoyed a solid day on course that included an eagle at the par five 561 yards 18th hole as he is enjoying his best run this season.

“I was quite lucky as I got out early this morning and the wind wasn’t up. It all came together for me today and I am really happy with my form this week. It has not been really good for me this season but now it’s shaping up for a solid outing,” said Groom who is ranked 65th on the UBS Order of Merit.

“The eagle was like a bonus to me. I used a lob wedge and holed it from about 70 yards so that was really nice. It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position so now I hope for a strong finish in the final round,” added Groom.

China’s in-form stalwart Liang, who won his maiden Asian Tour title in Singapore in March, lurks in tied sixth after four birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey.

“The double bogey was a huge setback for me today. But I had a good comeback firing two birdies on the 15th and 18th holes. I am happy with how I ended my round and if I can prevent a stumble tomorrow, then I should be in a good position,” said the 29-year-old Liang.

Leading third round scores (click here for full leaderboard):

205 - Vijay Singh (FIJ) 66-69-70
209 - Lee In-woo (KOR) 72-68-69, Kang Kyung-nam (KOR) 67-73-69
210 - Adam Groom (AUS) 70-75-65, Anthony Kang (USA) 71-68-71
211 - Liang Wen-chong (CHN) 70-70-71
212 - Bae Sang-moon (KOR) 72-71-69, Kim Hyung-sung (KOR) 67-72-73, Yang Yong-eun (KOR) 65-75-72
213 - Kim Kyung-tae (KOR) 67-71-75
214 - Kim Dae-sub (KOR) 71-73-70, Simon Yates (SCO) 71-71-72, Kim Sang-ki (KOR) 69-69-76
215 - Lee Sung (KOR) 69-75-71, Kim Jong-myung (KOR) 72-72-71, Toshinori Muto (JPN) 76-72-67, Kim Chang-yoon (KOR) 71-72-72
216 - Kim Hyung-tae (KOR) 73-72-71, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 73-72-71, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 74-71-71, Suk Jong-yul (KOR) 72-74-70, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 71-75-70, Marcus Both (AUS) 70-74-72, Hwang In-choon (KOR) 72-71-73

October 6, 2007

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