Veteran Thaworn Wiratchant took a three-shot lead after shooting a six-under-par 66 in the third round of the three-million-baht Singha E-san Open in Khon Kaen yesterday.
The 48-year-old, who shared the lead after two rounds, was on 201, ahead of Piya Swangarunporn, who fired a second consecutive 67 for 204.
Rattanon Wannasrichan (68), Panuphol Pittayarat (68) and Chapchai Nirat (69) were joint third on 205.
Making seven birdies and one bogey at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club, the two-time Asian Tour No.1 Thaworn said that everything clicked for him.
“I had a solid round with good approach shots and putting,” said the veteran, who won the Singha All Thailand Championship here in August and also the King’s Cup in December last year.
Itthipat Buranatanyarat, who shared the lead with Thaworn after the second round, was joint sixth on 207 after a 72 with three birdies and three bogeys.
Joining him on 207 were Namchok Tantipokhakul (66), Thepbodin Amarana (68) and Pariya Junhasavasdikul (70).
Prayad Marksaeng fired a 70 to tie for 10th on 208 with Natthapong Niyomchon (66).
The tournament is the season opener of both the All Thailand Tour and Asean PGA Tour.
In the women’s competition, amateur Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras posted a final 74 to win the title on 215 after 54 holes.
Punpaka Phuntumabamrung (71), amateur Parinda Phokan (71) and Kanphanitnan Muangkhumsakul (73) were tied for second on 216.
Punpaka and Kanphanitnan each took home the winner’s cheque of 28,750.
Prima Thammaraks (73) came in fifth on 217 while Pinrath Loomboonruang (69) and Janya Morrakotpan (70) shared sixth place.