MANILA: Singapore's Mardan Mamat cruised into a four-shot lead at the US$1 million Resorts World Manila Masters after firing a sparkling six-under-par 66 yesterday.
Mardan Mamat in action.
The 47-year-old, who has held a share of the first and second lead, put himself in prime position to lift a fourth Asian Tour victory at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club after a round that included seven birdies against a lone bogey for a three-day total of 17-under-par 199.
Thai hot shot Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the last hole for a 68 to ensure a final round match-up with Mardan in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines while Frenchman Lioniel Weber fired a superb 64 to move into third place, five behind the leader.
Berry Henson, who also carded a 64, settled for a share of fourth place with Malaysia's Nicholas Fung, who returned a 68. Last year's runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand produced a new course record of 63 which included seven birdies and one eagle.
After ending his second round with four birdies, Mardan, the 2012 Philippine Open champion, picked up from where he left off by firing four straight opening birdies to take full control of the Resorts World Manila Masters.
"I got off to a great start which kind of gave me a good cushion. I kept myself in my own zone. I knew I had to stay calm to maintain my lead. I had to keep myself comfortable which is key for me to playing well," said Mardan.
Two of his three Asian Tour victories were wire-to-wire triumphs but the Singaporean, who is battling to save his Tour card as he lies in 74th position on the Order of Merit, knows the threat that Kiradech will pose today.
"I'm looking forward to play with Kiradech. He's a very good player and I know he is a long hitter so we will see how it goes," said Mardan.