Chon Buri: Australia's Marcus Fraser fired a two-under-par 70 in the third round yesterday to take a one-shot shot lead at the fourth Thailand Golf Championship.
The 36-year-old, who was a shot behind the leader after two rounds, made four birdies and two bogeys to lead on 211 in the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
India's Anirban Lahiri, ranked second on the Asian Tour money list, was second on 212 after a 68 with seven birdies and three bogeys at Amata Spring Country Club.
US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany (70), 2011 winner Lee Westwood of England (72) and overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood (73), another Englishman, were two shots off the pace on 213.
Fraser, who is making a comeback after an eight-month lay-off due to a wrist injury, said he was satisfied by his performance.
"I'm excited to be in this position. I feel like I have played really well for three days," said Fraser, who is bidding for his second Asian Tour win after the 2010 Ballantine's Championship. "Hopefully, I can go out and do the same tomorrow and give myself plenty of chances."
The key for his good results has been putting the ball in the fairway, he said.
"I drove it really well on the first day missing only one fairway on Thursday and I think I only missed a couple today," he said. "You definitely have to stay out of the rough out there because it is pretty brutal."
Former world No.1 Kaymer said he had a good chance of winning the title on his debut.
"If the putter is warm enough then I might have a chance," said the world No.13. "Today, it was a tough day and to shoot two-under-par is a good score. But think I put myself in a good position."
Westwood, another former top-ranked player, was well placed for another run at the title after a solid round.
"You need a lot of patience on this golf course. I don't think anyone will be running away with the title," he said. "If I played the way I played and maximise my opportunities then I think I can do well. I just need to fine tune my score."
The best Thai player was world No.42 Thongchai Jaidee (74) who was tied for 10th on 217 with defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain (71) and Charlie Wi of South Korea (71).
Thongchai said that it was gusty on the front nine where he did not hit a single green in regulation.
"I had a good fightback on the back nine. I holed a few long putts for birdie," said the 45-year-old who made five bogeys on the front nine and three birdies on the back nine.
"Two-over par is a good score for me. This is a tough golf course so a seven- or eight-under will win the tournament. It will be nice if I can finish inside the top-five."
Reigning Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat made a 71 for 219 with compatriot Thanyakorn Khrongpha (73).
Masters champions Bubba Watson, who soared to a 77 for 223, admitted he did not play well and that he made some mistakes.