Kiradech on course

Written by Admin on Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Kiradech on course

KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT

CHON BURI : Kiradech Apibalrat is poised to win his maiden Mercedes-Benz Asean Tour title after taking a three-stroke lead into today’s final round of the B-ing TPC Championship 2008. Kiradech, who finished his second round yesterday morning, carded a 69 for an 11-under-par three-day total of 202.

Three-strokes behind was Malaysia’s Khor Kheng Hwai (68) while Felix Cacas of the Philippines (66) was another shot further back.

”It has been almost a perfect week for me so far,” said the former Thailand’s national player.

Apart from a double bogey on the fifth, everything looked fine in the third round, said Kiradeach who made five birdies.

Seeking his first title at the US$50,000 tournament, the rising star whose previous best performance was tied third in the Philippines early this year, said he could not underestimate his closest rivals although he was well-prepared physically and mentally.

”I know both Cacas and Hwai and they are good players,” the 19-year-old said.

”I will try to play my game although I feel under pressure.”

Atthapol Prathummanee (73) was fourth, five strokes behind the leader. Wisut Arjanawat fired a 69 to share fifth place with Thammanooon Srirot (68) and Udorn Duangdecha (72).

Pre-tournament favorite Thaworn Wiratchan, former Asian tour number one, failed to live up to expectations when he carded a 73 for a five-under 211 total.

In Japan, Prayad Marksaeng yesterday carded a one-over-par 72 in the third round at the Japan Golf Tour Fujisankei Classic 2008 in Yamanshi, Japan.

The Thai star, whose round included four birdies against two bogeys and a triple bogey, was tied 27th on an even-par 216 total.

Compatriot Chawalit Plaphol had a successive 72 for a three-round total of 218 at the par-71 Fujizakura Country Club.

Local star Shingo Katayama, the Tour’s number three, climbed to the top of the leader board following his second straight 67.

He was on 11-under-par 202, one stroke ahead of Kenichi Kuboya (67) and overnight leader Toyokazu Fujishima (71).