MERCEDES-BENZ MASTERS SINGAPORE RELATED STORIES Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore home page Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore Preview Round 1: Lam finds his A-game to take command Round 2: Steady Mardan moves clear at the top Round 3: Mardan extends his lead to two Round 4: Mardan's maiden Mercedes title by three Final Scores & Prize Money MORE ASIAN GOLF NEWS Old Guard Show Form In Philippines Mike Kerr New Asian Tour CEO Nirat Eyes Title In Philippines 2012 Performance Stats Hiratsuka Hopes To Defend In Myanmar Sponsors Show Support For Philippine Open Champions Head To Myanmar 84 Players Make Final Stage

 Mardan extends his lead to two

Singapore’s Mardan Mamat put himself on the brink of his first win on the Mercedes-Benz Tour today when he held onto the third round lead at the Mercedes-Benz Masters Singapore.

Mamat fired a five-under-par 67 at Laguna National Golf and Country Club for a two stroke advantage over Rory Hie of Indonesia.

Hie, who is aged 20 and one of the region’s rising stars, returned a 65.

Lam Chih Bing from Singapore is a stroke further back after carding a 69 - in what is the opening event of the season on the Mercedes-Benz Tour.

“I played really well from tee to green. The course, and in particular the greens, are set up beautifully, just like an Asian Tour event,” said Mamat.

He started the day with a one shot lead over Lam and later stamped his authority on the US$60,000 tournament with a four under par back nine following birdies on 10, 11, 15 and 17.

Mamat became a national hero in 2006 when he won the Singapore Masters here at Laguna National and will no doubt be hoping to rekindle that magic tomorrow.

He leads the tournament on 11-under-par 205.

Hie, who turned professional last year after a successful amateur career in the States, shot the lowest round of the week thanks to five birdies in the first six holes.

“I nearly holed my second shots for eagle on both the first and ninth. My nine iron approach on the first shaved the hole and my wedge on the ninth lipped out,” said Hie, who at one point was ranked seventh best amateur in the world.

He made nine birdies in total and two bogies – one of which came on 18.

“I feel very confident. I am hitting the ball well and excited about playing in the final group with Mardan and Lam,” added Hie, who won The International Championship on the Mercedes-Benz Tour in Jakarta last year.

The last group will tee-off at 9.10am tomorrow and Lam will be hoping to make amends for a disappointing finish last year.

He led by four at the start of the final round before being overtaken by Pariya Junhasavasdikul from Thailand.

“Let’s hope tomorrow is redemption day for me. I played well today but just couldn’t hole the putts,” said Lam.

Defending champion Pariya carded a 69 and is five behind Mamat.

As well as enjoying watching the golf, spectators on Saturday can take part in a Callaway demo and swing analysis session plus a long drive contest.

There will also be an Odyssey demo session on the putting green and a Crestlink short game competition.

Leading third round scores (apr 72):

205 Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 69 69 67
207 Rory HIE (IDN) 70 72 65
208 LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 67 72 69
210 Rey PAGUNSAN (PHL) 68 73 69, Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA) 71 70 69
211 Pornpong PHATLUM (THA) 72 72 67, Varut CHOMCHALAM (THA) 69 73 69, S SIVA CHANDRAN (MAS) 69 72 70
212 Danny CHIA (MAS) 70 71 71
213 Pongthep JAEWCHAMNANCHAO (THA) 75 71 67, Tanatchan PUAKTES (THA) 72 71 70, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 71 71 71
214 SASIDARAN (MAS) 72 74 68, S. MURTHY (MAS) 75 70 69, P. GUNASEGARAN (MAS) 71 72 71

March 13, 2009