Subang: R. Nachimuthu played himself into a great position to pull off his maiden victory of 2013 after racing to a four-shot lead at the season-ending RM350,000 Maybank Tour Players’ Championship on Friday.

The 42-year-old seasoned campaigner carded the lowest round of the tournament with a six-under-par 66 at Saujana Golf & Country Club to leave Airil Rizman Zahari (70) and Sukree Othman (70) in a share of second on six-under 210.

Halfway leader Hanafiah Jamil slipped to fourth after a three-over 75 while Sabahan Ben Leong (72), who is making a marked return after a long-term lay-off through injury, climbed into fifth place with a even-par 72. Rashid Ismail, who signed for a three-under 69, was a shot further back in sixth on even-par 216.

Nachimuthu, who lies second on the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s money list, had an eagle on the par-4 11th hole as well five birdies on his card with his lone blemish coming through a bogey at the second.

“All parts of my game were in good shape today and especially my putting. I struck the ball well off the tee and my iron shots were equally good. But my putting maybe really stood out – I putted very well today and am hoping to do the same in the last round,” he noted.

“I worked with teaching professional James Partridge recently on my putting and I’m happy with the outcome. My flatstick has been a thorn in my side for much of the season, especially during the final rounds when I have been in contention,” added Nachimuthu, who is keen on locking up the highly-valued start at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2014 on offer for the winner of the championship.

Leading third round scores:
206 – R. Nachimuthu 68-72-66
210 – Airil Rizman Zahari 73-67-70, Sukree Othman 69-71-70
213 – Hanafiah Jamil 68-70-75
215 – Ben Leong 72-71-72
216 – Md Rashid Ismail 70-77-69
217 – Shaifubari Muda 75-75-67, Rahizam Ramli 79-68-70, Kemarol Baharin 74-71-72
218 – Muhammad Rusli Johari 68-76-74