Kota Bharu: Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain put some daylight between him and the chasing pack as he extended his overnight lead to six strokes with 18 holes left to play at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Kelantan Classic.

Posting his second six-under 66 of the week, the local favourite  dominated the field with another flawless display, carding four birdies and an audacious chip-in eagle on the par-five third hole to brighten his chance of earning a maiden professional victory at his home course here at the Kelantan Golf & Country Club.

Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari carded a round of 69 to take a share of second on eight-under-par 208 alongside Sukree Othman (71) while Haziq Hamizan and S. Murthy were four strokes adrift on 212 after rounds of 68 and 71 respectively. Further back on 214 were the quartet of Wilson Choo (67), Nicholas Fung (69), S. Sivachandhran (72) and Sofian Kepli (74).

Mohd Nazri who practically grew up in Pengkalan Chepa,continued to struggle off the tees but as he has done all week, found 15 greens in regulations, backed by strong vocal support from the local fans.

“I am so happy I could again perform in front of my friends and supporters. No doubt that I will be nervous tomorrow but I hope to contain in within the first two holes and play my normal game. There’s no added pressure, I’m used to playing with Sukree and Akhmal and I know this course pretty well,” said Nazri.

“I am going to see my coach Aziz Zainal and draw up a game plan for tomorrow. I must hit more fairways if I am to preserve my lead.”

Leading third round scores
202 – Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain 66-70-66
208 – Akhmal Tarmizee 68-71-69; Sukree Othman 69-68-71
212 – Haziq Hamizan 72-72-68; S. Murthy 70-71-71
214 – Wilson Choo 76-71-67; Nicholas Fung 76-69-69; S. Sivachandhran 75-67-72; Sofian Kepli 68-72-74
215 – Dinata Abdillah 69-71-70; P. Gunasagaran 73-71-71
216 – Kenneth De Silva 73-72-71; R. Nachimuthu 73-71-72