2007 Mercuries Taiwan Masters - Round 3: Oh's even par keeps 1-shot lead

Korea’s Ted Oh hung on to a narrow one stroke lead at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters with local star Lu Wen-teh in hot pursuit in the third round on Saturday.

Oh, who finished third last year, was even-par for the day as he edged ahead thanks to a five foot birdie putt on the final 18th hole. With a three day total of five-under-par 211, Oh took a one stroke cushion over two-time tournament winner Lu who posted a bogey free 69 at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

Local player Hsu Mong-nan was in lone third position after a 69 four strokes back while Chen Yuan-chi, who finished runner-up in 2004, was pleased with his 71 in fourth place. Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris, ranked 27th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, moved up to tied fifth spot after a 71 alongside Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng who endured a nervy finish firing a similar score for a 217 total.

Oh, 31, who displayed consistent golf in the past two days, was unable to find his rhythm in the third round firing three birdies against an equal number of bogeys but he was pleased to take a one-stroke lead heading into the final round.

“I didn’t play very well today. I was getting frustrated as my game wasn’t flowing. I don’t know what it is but I am not really happy with my round today. In saying that, to make even-par on a day like this is not too bad but I was pleased with my birdie putt on the 18th hole. That was a nice finish,” said Oh.

The Danshu-born Lu, with two Asian Tour titles under his belt, held his game despite the continued showers on his home course firing birdies on the fourth, seventh and 15th holes.

“My game was quite average without anything really spectacular but I played it one stroke at a time which helped me produce a good score today. The 15 feet chip in for birdie on the fourth hole was great as it set me on the right path, not dropping a single shot,” said Lu, who lifted the title back in 1994 and 1996.

“This is my home course and I know I have an added advantage but at the same time there is a lot of pressure for me to do well here. I realise that if I take it a step at a time like what was done today and avoid making mistakes, then I can definitely shoot for a third win. That’s my goal,” added the-44-year-old stalwart.

Hsu, 33, with two wins on the domestic circuit, enjoyed his best round of 69 in third position while Chen, who is in fourth place, is determined for a title charge after a near miss in 2004.

“I am happy with my game this week including my round today. I was delighted to birdie the ninth hole which is rated as one of the toughest hole on course.

“I finished tied second in 2004 and I’ve always enjoyed playing on this course and with my good run again this year, I hope to notch one better and go for the title on Sunday,” said Chen.

Thailand’s Prayad endured a nervy finish with bogeys on his last two holes as he was in tied fifth place alongside Australia’s Pilkadaris who is competing in his ninth event this week.

“I was doing fine today until the last two holes. On the par three 17th hole, I struggled with a wayward drive with the ball finding the sand bunker while off the tee on the 18th hole, my landed in the trees for another bogey. I am six strokes back but if I capitalise on the easier front nine tomorrow, I will be in for a chance,” said Prayad.

Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang and Wang Ter-chang were in a tie for seventh place after firing matching 70s while compatriot Lu Wei-chih was even-par for the day for a 218 total. Australia’s Gary Simpson slid down the ranks after a 75 together with compatriot Ashley Hall who carded a 71 while Malaysia’s Iain Steel posted his second straight 73 also in tied seventh position.

“It’s my second event since the mid year break and I am pleased with how my game is currently. I could have missed the cut this week but my mental game has been strong so I hope to continue my fine run,” said Steel, who chalked up two top-10 results this season.

Defending champion Gaurav Ghei of India, who is in sixth position on the UBS Order of Merit, shot a 75 in joint 41st spot for a 225 total.

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

211 - Ted Oh (KOR) 71-68-72

212 - Lu Wen-teh (TPE) 72-71-69

215 - Hsu Mong-nan (TPE) 70-76-69

216 - Chen Yuan-chi (TPE) 76-69-71

217 - Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 73-73-71, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 72-74-71

218 - Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 73-75-70, Wang Ter-chang (TPE) 74-74-70, Ashley Hall (AUS) 76-71-71, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 70-76-72, Iain Steel (MAS) 72-73-73, Gary Simpson (AUS) 72-71-75

219 - Chen Tsang-te (TPE) 74-73-72, Brad Iles (NZL) 73-73-73, Artemio Murakami (PHI) 71-75-73

220 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 72-75-73, Lin Wen-hong (TPE) 73-75-72, Prom Meesawat (THA) 72-76-72, Lin Keng-chi (TPE) 72-74-74

221 - Keith Horne (RSA) 72-76-73, Ben Leong (MAS) 73-75-73, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 76-73-72

September 22, 2007