Thongchai extends lead to six shots

Title holder Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand pulled six shots clear of the chasing pack after the third round of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open today, poised to defend a title for the first time in his illustrious career.

The Asian number one, who held an overnight two shot advantage, romped to a five-under-par 67 at Saujana Golf and Country Club as his challengers wilted in sweltering heat in the US$1.21 million event which is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

India 's Jyoti Randhawa soared with two eagles for a fine 65 to move into second place but has an uphill task to topple the man in form. Irish star Padraig Harrington, ranked eighth in the world, birdied his last two holes for a 67 to force his way into the final group tomorrow. He is joint third with Thailand 's 20-year-old Prom Meesawat and Swede Henrik Stenson, seven strokes off the lead.

Thongchai's 19-under-par 197 total matched the second lowest 54-hole aggregate in Asian golf history as he looks certain to join Graham Marsh (1974-75) and Tomoo Ishii (1964-65) as players to win back-to-back triumphs since the Malaysian Open was inaugurated in 1962.

A late bogey on 18 failed to dampen Thongchai's spirit. "I had a good start on the front nine with birdies on the first and third holes which got me going. I hit my irons really well and putted nicely. Everything was perfect again today," said Thongchai, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour.

"It's nice to lead by six shots into the last round. My plan will be the same tomorrow … fairways, greens and putts. I'm playing quite nicely and hopefully, tomorrow I can go on and win this again. I'm feeling confident," added the Thai, who had seven birdies on the card.

Randhawa made it a day for the Asian Tour, taking advantage of the par fives with two eagles and one birdie. The Indian, who won the Volvo Masters of Asia in Kuala Lumpur last December, did not want to rule out the prospect of catching the runaway leader.

"It seems tough and Thongchai looks to be playing well and he's a good player. But what can you say in golf. A guy on 11 under can come from behind and win. One more day to go and I'll take my chances tomorrow," said Randhawa, who was second behind Thongchai on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.

The Indian turned in 32, shooting birdies on the third and eighth and eagled the seventh after finding the green in two with a five wood. He birdied the 10th before setting up another eagle on the 13th from 20 feet. His only stumble of the day was on the par three 16th when he missed the green with a six iron tee shot. "I'm very happy with the way I played. I made a lot of good putts. Hit a lot of irons close to the flag today and the score shows. I think I seem to like the heat over here. I love this place," said Randhawa.

Harrington, bidding to better two runner-up finishes in Malaysia , was delighted with two closing birdies which will give him a chance to challenge Thongchai and Randhawa in the final group.

"Two birdies to finish, I'm happy with that," said the Dubliner. "Thongchai obviously likes it here. It is within his hands and he is totally in control. Even if I shoot a low one, I have to depend on him. It is a course he obviously likes and that is tremendous scoring. You would think he would stall at some stage but he just keeps going forward."

After going two rounds without a bogey, the 20-year-old Prom had the worst possible start with a double bogey on his opening hole. His drive hit a cart path and landed out of bounds but the talented Thai courageously fought back for a 71 and had the pleasure of outscoring playing partner Miguel Angel Jimenez by two strokes.

"What a start," said Prom. But I am happy I got it back to under par. I just told myself to keep playing it one shot at a time. Thongchai is so far in front now that I'll be shooting for second place tomorrow."

Bjorn signed for a 74 to drop to sixth place on 205 while Jimenez's 73 left him in joint 13th place on 208.

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