Yangon: Yusaku Miyazato of Japan posted a third round even-par 71 in blustery conditions to maintain his lead at the US$750,000 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open yesterday.
Miyazato, a three-time winner in Japan, fought hard to stay on top the leaderboard on 11-under-par 202 as KT Kim of Korea trailed by one shot after holing a birdie on the 18th hole for a 68 at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.
Miyazato, who led by three shots at the start of the day, sank a huge curling eagle putt on the par-five fourth hole to extend his lead before dropping his first bogey of the tournament on hole eight.
His only birdie came on the 14th hole which was sandwiched between two bogeys but the older brother to LPGA star Ai held on to his lead as he searches for a first win outside of Japan.
"My tee shots were not good and it was so difficult to play in this wind. I couldn't read where the wind was blowing. The eagle was lucky but I had a good read and putt. That was a good eagle for me.
"This morning I woke up at 6.30am but I had a good sleep. This is an important event and I'll try to win. I think I need to be more aggressive if I want to win. Let's see what happens."
Kim, a 13-time winner in Japan, was enjoying a hot run of five birdies in 12 holes before losing focus in the humidity as he bogeyed holes 13, 14 and 16.
Qualifying School graduate Kim Sih-Wan, the last player to enter the elite field, made full use of his playing opportunity as he carded a 68 to trail by two shots and stay in the hunt for a first Asian Tour victory.
Todd Sinnott of Australia, also an Asian Tour rookie, equalled the course record of 64 as he tied in fourth place alongside Carlos Pigem (68) of Spain and Miguel Tabuena (69) of the Philippines on matching 205s. They trail Miyazato by three shots.