KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT
>>CHON BURI : Kiradech Apibalrat is poised to win his maiden Mercedes-Benz Asean Tour title after taking a three-stroke lead into today's final round of the B-ing TPC Championship 2008. Kiradech, who finished his second round yesterday morning, carded a 69 for an 11-under-par three-day total of 202.
Three-strokes behind was Malaysia's Khor Kheng Hwai (68) while Felix Cacas of the Philippines (66) was another shot further back.
''It has been almost a perfect week for me so far,'' said the former Thailand's national player.
Apart from a double bogey on the fifth, everything looked fine in the third round, said Kiradeach who made five birdies.
Seeking his first title at the US$50,000 tournament, the rising star whose previous best performance was tied third in the Philippines early this year, said he could not underestimate his closest rivals although he was well-prepared physically and mentally.
''I know both Cacas and Hwai and they are good players,'' the 19-year-old said.
''I will try to play my game although I feel under pressure.''
Atthapol Prathummanee (73) was fourth, five strokes behind the leader. Wisut Arjanawat fired a 69 to share fifth place with Thammanooon Srirot (68) and Udorn Duangdecha (72).
Pre-tournament favorite Thaworn Wiratchan, former Asian tour number one, failed to live up to expectations when he carded a 73 for a five-under 211 total.
In Japan, Prayad Marksaeng yesterday carded a one-over-par 72 in the third round at the Japan Golf Tour Fujisankei Classic 2008 in Yamanshi, Japan.
The Thai star, whose round included four birdies against two bogeys and a triple bogey, was tied 27th on an even-par 216 total.
Compatriot Chawalit Plaphol had a successive 72 for a three-round total of 218 at the par-71 Fujizakura Country Club.
Local star Shingo Katayama, the Tour's number three, climbed to the top of the leader board following his second straight 67.
He was on 11-under-par 202, one stroke ahead of Kenichi Kuboya (67) and overnight leader Toyokazu Fujishima (71).
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next
