Buckle joins Dyson on top of leaderboard - HSBC Indonesia Open 2006

Australian Andrew Buckle is in the running for his first title in Asia when he shot a seven-under-par 65 for the tied lead in a thrilling third round at the US$1 million Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open today.

The 23-year-old Aussie shared the lead alongside Englishman Simon Dyson who was equally impressive with a 67. Buckle, together with Dyson, the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner in 2000, are at the top of the leaderboard on 15-under-par 201.

Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang fired a 70 for the sole third position, three shots off the pace, while India’s Shiv Kapur charged up the leaderboard after a 66 in tied fourth, five strokes adrift. Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, ranked third on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, carded a 72 as he dropped to equal fourth alongside Ireland’s David Higgins and Welshman Stephen Dodd.

“I’m playing well and hitting my tee shots good as I kept the ball on the fairways. I hit a couple of shots off line but managed to get out of trouble, but I’m putting well which is the main thing here,” said Buckle, who was blemish free for the round.

Buckle, two-time World Junior Champion (1999 and 2000), was flying high on the front nine with three consecutive birdies on the first, second and third holes. Thongchai Jaidee chips onto the 6th greenAfter a six foot putt at the 10th hole on the back nine, Buckle upped his game and eventually caught Dyson who was on the lead by two strokes.

It was pure grit and determination by Buckle as he birdied the 14th hole and cut the lead by a single stroke. The Brisbane-born talent then birdied the 16th to share the lead with Dyson. He then held a brief one-stroke lead through a birdie on the 17th before Dyson birdied the same hole for the tied lead at the end of the third round.

“I hit a good drive and my second shot was spot on as I two putted for birdie,” said Buckle.

Dyson, three-time winner in Asia in 2000, eagled the first hole. A solid drive and a five iron set him up for a 20 foot putt for eagle at the par five 546 yard first hole. He then produced three more birdies against a lone bogey.

“Seven under is a great round today. I try not to watch the leaderboards to be honest. I just want to keep playing as I have been doing and shooting sub-par rounds. I think if one of us shoots four or five under tomorrow, it could take it,” said Dyson.

Wang, the reigning Macau Open champion, held his nerves to stay in contention when he shot two birdies and one bogey.

“I hope to win and it’s good to be in the position I am in now. At my age it will be very difficult, but nothing is impossible,” said the 43-year-old Wang.

India’s Kapur, last season’s Volvo Masters of Asia champion, mounted on a strong challenge when he fired a 66 as he goes into the fourth round filled with optimism. “I was putting well and it was good today. I have a chance now and will go into the final round hoping to make an impact,” said Kapur.

Compatriot Rahil Gangjee, meanwhile, drifted away from the leaders when he carded a 71, six strokes off the pace.

“I had some good moments but I was mainly angry at myself for how I played today,” he said.

“I found it difficult to have a consistent game but nevertheless will try to remain focus going into the fourth round,” said Gangjee.

The Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.