Orient Masters
Orient Golf and Country Club
Xiamen, China
2nd - 5th April 1998

Third Round Report

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Chawalit enters final round three-shots in front

Xiamen, China, 4th April 1998 - Young Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand holds a three shot lead over his golfing role model, compatriot Boonchu Ruangkit, going into the final round of the Omega Tour's US$200,000 Orient Masters at Orient Golf and Country Club.

Chawalit, aged only 24, fired a five-under-par 67 to lead the third leg of the 1998 Omega Tour on seven under par 209, ahead of joint second-placed Boonchu, who carded a two under 70, and Korea's Park No-seok, in with a 71.

South Africa's Craig Kamps and Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan share fourth spot on three under after returning rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.

"I drove the ball long and straight and played very well," said Chawalit after carding seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Chawalit is still in search of his maiden professional victory and like many of the Thai golfers he regularly listens to the advice of Boonchu - the only player to have notched up four victories on the Omega Tour. This week Chawalit has been particularly attentive to Boonchu since they are sharing the same room.

"Boonchu has been teaching me to be more patient and not to chase so many birdies," added Chawalit. "He has been stressing the importance of course management to me, which is something I have not been very good at in the past. And even though I know Boonchu will chasing me tomorrow, I will not be too nervous - I'm feeling very confident."

Boonchu stayed in sight of his young friend and rival thanks to a spectacular finish to his round, which saw him birdie three of last four holes.

On the 15th he hit a nine iron to 10 feet and holed out for birdie, while on the next he fired another nine iron to 18 feet to set up another birdie. And at the par four last he holed from eight feet for a birdie three.

"I like the course and I'm feeling happy with my game at the moment," said Boonchu. "If I come out playing well over the opening holes then I'll go for it early on and try to unsettle Chawalit. He does not have much experience being in this position since he has only been on the Omega Tour a couple of years.

"I would dearly love to see Chawalit win, but if doesn't then hopefully I'll be there to pick up the trophy instead."

American Brian Quinn, joint second with Park at the halfway stage, returned a three over par 75, and lies in joint 11th place on even par for the tournament.