2008 Pine Valley Beijing Open - Round 3: Fujita masters tough conditions to lead by six

Japanese star Hiroyuki Fujita broke away from the chasing pack in the third round at the Pine Valley Beijing Open after firing an even-par 72 under tough conditions on Saturday.

The Fukuoka-born leader battled through the windswept conditions at Pine Valley Golf Club for a six stroke advantage over the elite field.

Thai young gun Chinnarat Phadungsil eagled the par five 13th hole on the way to a 76 in a tie for second spot together with Shinichi Yokota who shot a 69. Compatriot Shintaro Kai was even par for the day alongside Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and Prayad Marksaeng who carded a 68 and 72 respectively in joint fourth place. Fijian Dinesh Chand recorded his second straight 69 also in a tie for fourth place alongside England’s Simon Griffiths who was even-par for the day for a 211 total.

Overnight leader Fujita, a five-time winner on the domestic circuit, posted a 72 on a day where scores tumbled due to the windy conditions at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

“The wind was extremely strong and I tried to stay even-par. I am definitely very happy with my current position at the top. But it is expected to rain tomorrow so I will adopt a safe approach heading into the final round,” said the 39-year-old Fujita, who produced a total of 12-under-par 204 in the US$1 million event sanctioned for the first time by the Japan Golf Tour alongside the Asian Tour and China Golf Association.

Fujita was also the former chairman of Japan Golf Tour Players’ Club in 2005 and 2006.

Yokota, 36, was five under through 17 holes but endured a late double bogey at the closing 18th hole for a 69.

“My putting was good today despite the strong wind which made it even more difficult on the greens. It was a disappointing finish though as I struck a wayward drive on the 18th hole and was four on before I two putted for a double bogey.

“There is rain expected for tomorrow which would make for a very exciting final round. There is a lot to play for with the rain coming so we shall see how it turns out,” said Yokota, with one win on the local circuit.

Chinnarat, with two top finishes on the Asian Tour, kept his title hopes alive when he holed an eagle at the 13th hole for a 76.

“I am not satisfied with my run today as the conditions were tough with the wind coming in from different directions. The front nine was tough and the rough was long. I struggled to get on the greens.

“I hope to make the fairways and greens under expected wet conditions tomorrow but it’s going to be tough to catch up with Fujita because he is six shots ahead despite the challenging conditions today,” said the 19-year-old Chinnarat.

China’s Zhang Lian-wei posted a 75 and was in the mix in joint 51st place for a 219 total.

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

204 - Hiroyuki Fujita (JPN) 67-65-72
210 - Shinichi Yokota (JPN) 71-70-69, Chinnarat Phadungsil (THA) 65-69-76
211 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 75-68-68, Dinesh Chand (FIJ) 73-69-69, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 71-68-72, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 69-70-72, Shintaro Kai (JPN) 71-68-72
212 - Koumei Oda (JPN) 70-73-69, Gavin Flint (AUS) 73-70-69, Katsunori Kuwabara (JPN) 68-69-75, Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 70-67-75, Gary Simpson (AUS) 72-65-75
213 - Takao Nogami (JPN) 67-74-72, Artemio Murakami (PHI) 71-69-73, Tony Carolan (AUS) 66-72-75, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 71-66-76, Wang Ter-Chang (TPE) 72-63-78
214 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 70-73-71, Jason Knutzon (USA) 71-72-71, Tetsuji Hiratsuka (JPN) 69-72-73, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 73-67-74, Kim Kyung-tae (KOR) 69-69-76, Scott Hend (AUS) 68-68-78

May 10, 2008

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