Melaka: England’s Peter Richardson edged closer to his maiden Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory after seizing the third round lead with a three-under-par 69 at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) ADT Masters @ A’Famosa.

The Englishman posted a three-day total of 15-under-par 201 to take a commanding seven-shot lead over two-time PGM Tour winner Rashid Ismail, who signed for a 71 to take second place at the A’Famosa Golf Resort in Malacca.

Korea’s Kim Ji-hoon returned with a 71 to take third place on 210 while Japan’s Go Nakauchi is a further shot back in fourth place after a 211. Reigning PGM Order of Merit champion R. Nachimuthu posted a 72 to take fifth place at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event, which is the third ADT event to be staged this season.

Richardson continued his sizzling form which put him within touching distance of a win which will put him in good position of finishing in the top-three of the Order of Merit at the end of the season and earn his Asian Tour card for 2013.

Despite opening with a bogey on the first hole, Richardson responded quickly with a birdie on the sixth hole before going on to eagle the seventh hole. He then completed a superb outward-nine with another birdie on the ninth hole.

“Once again, I played really solid today and I’m really happy that I’m going into the final round with a huge lead. But then again, I cannot be complacent as anything can happen in golf,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’m really looking forward to a final good round tomorrow as that will put me in a good position for the rest of the season,” added Richardson.

Leading third round scores
201 – Peter Richardson (ENG) 67-65-69
208 – Md Rashid Ismail 67-70-71
210 – Kim Ji-hoon (KOR) 68-71-71
211 – Go Nakauchi (JPN) 70-69-72
212 – R. Nachimuthu 71-69-72
214 – Grant Jackson (ENG) 74-71-69, Gavin Flint (AUS) 72-72-70, Ben Leong 72-72-71, Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN) 72-70-73, Mitchell Slorach (SIN) 72-69-74