Johor Bahru: Grant Jackson set a new course record at the Johor Country Club with a sizzling eight-under-par 64 to seize the third round lead at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Maybank Johor Masters on Friday.

The Englishman established a commanding three-shot lead over Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela with a 16-under-par 200 total at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) co-sanctioned event.

Murillo, who was the overnight leader, stayed on track for a first victory in Asia by shooting a 69 while domestic rising star Nicholas Fung was a further two shots back on 205 following a 70.

Jackson, who finished seventh on the ADT Order of Merit last year, mixed his card with seven birdies and one eagle against one blemish to set the wheels in motion for a first career victory.

“I’ve had a nice last few days and the difference today was that I just holed more putts. I put in a new putter in the bag this week and have been working on my putting stroke in Thailand with my coach. It is working as I’m starting to hit putts at the right pace

“I’ll be trying to win tomorrow and just need to keep doing the same things and keep making putts. I’ve played in five events back home and made all top-10s so hopefully I can get it done on Saturday,” said Jackson, who featured on the European Challenge Tour until 2011 when he hurt his back in a Russian event.

Leading third round scores (Malaysian unless stated)
200 – Grant Jackson (Eng) 68-68-64
203 – Wolmer Murillo (Ven) 66-68-69
205 – Nicholas Fung (Mas) 66-69-70
207 – R. Nachimuthu (Mas) 70-69-68
208 – Airil Rizman Zahari (Mas) 71-68-69
209 – Iain Steel (Mas) 69-71-69
210 – Luke Bleumink (Aus) 69-71-70
211 – Rizal Amin (Mas) 70-72-69, Mitsuhiko Hashizume (Jpn) 69-71-71, Ratchapol Jantavara (Tha) 73-66-72, Lee Cho-Chuan (Tpe) 71-68-72