Khon Kaen: Danthai Boonma sank a last-hole eagle to claim a two-shot lead after the third round of the Singha E-San Open yesterday.
The 21-year-old star from Sukhothai shot a six-under-par 66 to end the third round on 17-under 199, two shots ahead of Settee Prakongvech, who hit his third successive 67 at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
Overnight co-leader Prayad Marksaeng shot a one-under 71 and slipped to joint third on 12-under 204 alongside Chapchai Nirat (68), Gunn Charoenkul (70) and Sutijet Kooratanapisan (66).
Danthai, who shared the lead with Prayad after the second round, collected five birdies on holes 3, 6, 8, 11 and 14 and closed with an eagle on 18. His only blemish came on 13 where he conceded a bogey.
"My putter worked well again today," said Danthai. "My plan was to get some birdies on the par-fives. Unfortunately, I missed out on one, at the seventh, and it was only just a short putt. But I managed to birdie the par-three eighth.
"Tomorrow it's more of the same for me, I will try to go for those par-fives again."
Danthai, who was paired with Prayad yesterday, added he didn't feel any pressure playing with such an experienced player.
"I enjoy playing with him actually and I feel like that helped me play better today. I have confidence in my own game but of course I will not be thinking about winning yet because other players are also playing well."
Kusuma Meechai won the women's event after finishing on nine-under 207, three shots ahead of Wanchana Poruangrong. Saranporn Langkulgasettrin was third on four-under 212.
The 3.2-million-baht tournament is the opening event of the 2017 All Thailand Golf Tour.