Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Masaru Takahashi charged into the third round lead of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) MIDF KLGCC Masters after shooting a three-under-par 68 on Saturday.
Takahashi, who shared the first round lead, compiled a three day total of nine-under-par 204 for a one-shot lead over local hope Shaaban Hussin at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Malaysia’s top-ranked golfer, Nicholas Fung and overnight leader Niall Turner of Ireland signed for 67 and 72 respectively to share third place on 207 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s East Course.
Chinese Taipei’s Lee Shih-hung, Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan and local prospect R. Nachimuthu shared fifth after returning with rounds of 67, 69 and 73 respectively at the penultimate tournament of the 2013 ADT season.
Takahashi stayed on course to win his maiden ADT title after trading five birdies against two bogeys but is aware of the strong challenges from the local prospects including Shaaban and Fung.
“I putted really well. I’m glad to be on top of the leaderboard again. I just hope I can hit any many fairways as possible tomorrow and play steady. I just want to enjoy myself out there and we’ll see how it goes,” said the 27-year-old Japanese.
The talented Shaaban reckons that he needs to remain patient to give himself a chance at winning the title. “I’m playing a lot better this week. I just need to focus more tomorrow. I’ll try not to push myself too much trying to make birdies. I’ll just stick to the same game plan and stay focused. Hopefully, I can see better results tomorrow,” said the 33-year-old.
Fung, currently second on the ADT Order of Merit, is looking forward to the final showdown as he bids for a second ADT victory this season.
“My putting is getting better this week and it really helped me a lot. I was lucky to make an eagle on the eighth today. If I can maintain my form tomorrow, I think I have a good chance of winning. I just need to put my ball in play,” said the 23-year-old Sabahan, who is hoping to secure his card on Asian Tour next season.
Leading third round scores:
204 – Masaru Takahashi (JPN) 66-70-68
205 – Shaaban Hussin 69-69-67
207 – Nicholas Fung 69-71-67, Niall Turner (IRL) 68-67-72
210 – R. Nachimuthu 76-67-67, Lee Shih-hung (TWN) 71-70-69, Koh Dengshan (SIN) 71-66-73
211 – Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari 71-73-67
213 – Somsak Kaopratum (THA) 70-74-69, Grant Jackson (ENG) 75-69-69, Airil Rizman Zahari 73-70-70, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 68-73-72
