2008 Barclays Singapore Open - Round 3: Chapchai leads from star-studded chasing pack

Thailand's Chapchai Nirat surged into a two-stroke lead at the US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open with a host of big names lurking when the third round was suspended due to fading light on Saturday.

The big-hitting Chapchai was irrepressible at Sentosa Golf Club where he negotiated 12 holes in five-under-par, highlighted by three birdies and a stunning eagle when he holed out a stunning approach from the fairway at the 11th hole.

Described as a world-class player when he played alongside Phil Mickelson at last year's Barclays Singapore Open, Chapchai, who finished second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit last season, holds the lead at nine-under-par with Singaporean Lam Chih Bing, Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and Simon Dyson of England lurking two back.

Padraig Harrington, a double Major winner this season, charged into contention with a superb 66 for the clubhouse lead on five-under-par 208. Phil Mickelson also made his move by playing 14 holes in four under to lie four back with Ernie Els who was one over through 11 holes.

India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland were also five under for the tournament through 14 and 11 holes respectively.

Chapchai soared on an eagle's wings when he produced his magical shot from 118 yards out on the 11th. He was relishing the opportunity to claim victory at the Barclays Singapore Open, Asia's richest national championship.

"I'm not going to think about the players behind me," said Chapchai, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour.

"I'm feeling really confident as I'm hitting my driver and three wood well. It's important to lead this event going into Sunday but it'll certainly be a very long day with so much golf to play.

"I'm going to take it easy tonight by watching Thai movies and get ready for tomorrow. I was always aiming to play well here as I like this golf course," added the Thai, who first came to prominence at this event in 2005 when he finished tied 11th.

Singaporean hopes rested on the gutsy Lam, who made the turn in three under but was staring at a 15-foot par putt on the 12th green when play was suspended at 6.30pm. Only 27 players completed their third rounds, with the remaining 45 players set to return on Sunday, 7.30am to complete their rounds.

"It has been a long day. I finished my second round this morning (playing 13 holes). I hit the ball pretty well all day. The last holes got pretty hard to play, there was hardly any light. All in all it was quite a steady round," said Lam.

The 31-year-old, an underachiever despite his enormous talents, is hoping to upset the odds and become Singapore's first home winner of its national Open, which was inaugurated in 1961.

"I am on a great run - if I can keep it going for another round and a half that would be good," said Lam, whose Asian Tour record includes only two top-10s in 105 previous starts. "The support from the crowd is awesome. It is unbelievable how good the galleries are here. It was a good feeling making that (birdie) putt on nine in front of a big gallery."

Bjorn, a former Ryder Cup star for Europe, quietly moved up the leaderboard with five birdies against a lone bogey through 12 holes. "I am well positioned. I got off to a rocky start but after four I played some pretty good stuff. I am just trying to get myself in there with a chance to win. I have not played well for a while and it is nice to get that feeling that I have a chance again," said the big Dane, whose two top-10s this season were registered in Asia.

Asian specialist Dyson, winner of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit in 2000 during his rookie professional season, stayed in the title hunt but conceded he was struggling with the delays caused by inclement weather over the past two days.

"It's very tough. I've never been a massive fan with teeing off very late. You're up at 9am and you're not teeing off until 3pm. I always like to get up early and play. Hopefully tomorrow will be better," said Dyson. "I'm so tired. It doesn't feel like it's my normal game. I normally like to attack stuff but I'm holding back a bit as I'm tired."

World number three Mickelson completed his second round in 68 early in the morning and kept up his good form with an eagle and two birdies over 14 holes of his third round.

"I played well. I'm very much in contention but I need to make a few birdies tomorrow to make an impact. There are a lot of good players up there," said the lefthander.

Leading third round scores (play suspended in failing light):

-9: Chapchai Nirat (Tha) through 12 holes
-7: Thomas Bjorn (Den) through 12 holes
-7: Lam Chih Bing (Sin) through 11 holes
-7: Simon Dyson (Eng) through 11 holes
-5: Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) through 14 holes
-5: Phil Mickelson (USA) through 14 holes
-5: Rory McIlroy (NIR) through 11 holes
-5: Ernie Els (Rsa) through 11 holes

Round completed:
-5: Padraig Harrington (Ire) 72-70-66 208

November 15, 2008