
Kota Kinabalu: Thai duo Wisut Artjanawat and Ratchapol Jantavara hauled their way into a three-way tie for the lead after the third round of Sabah Masters on Friday.
Wisut, the 2011 champion, and Ratchapol both stormed through with matching 65s at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club to reel in halfway leader Michael Tran of Vietnam, who shot a one-under 70, to finish on five-under-par 208.
Filipino Frankie Minoza is one stroke behind in the season-ending event on the 2013/2014 ASEAN PGA Tour, returning with a 69 to set up a mouthwatering final day.
Rizal Amin and local talent Ben Leong kept the slim Malaysian hopes alive, posting a 68 and 71 respectively to remain five strokes off the pace.
Tran is looking for his first win since turning professional in 2008 and what would be a landmark performance for his country where golf is very much in its infancy.
“It was fun today. I played with Frankie (Minoza) and Sattaya Supupramai. We made a load of birdies and the lead kept changing,” said the Bangkok-based Tran.
Last June he led going into the final round of the PGM-ASEAN PGA Penang Classic before eventually finishing fourth for his best result on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
“I need to keep it in play tomorrow and hole some putts,” added Tran.
Wisut says he has been out of form for the past six months battling a swing change and putting woes. “This is my best round for a long time. I love this course as it reminds me of my home course. It is a resort layout and wide open,” said Wisut, who finished 10th last season.
The four-time ASEAN PGA Tour winner currently lies 13th on the Order of Merit and needs a strong finish to be able to secure a OneAsia card, which is available to the leading four players on the Merit list.
“I have no status on a Tour this year so it is really important for me to win,” added Wisut.
Ratchapol, looking for his first title as a professional, is in fourth place on the Merit list and looking good to earn a OneAsia card.“I holed out from 60 yards on the 15th for an eagle two. I need that!” said 26-year-old Ratchapol.
The Thai golfer has been enjoying his finest season posting three top-six finishes including equal second place in the Luang Prabang Laos Open.
Former Asian Tour number one Minoza has impressed his younger counterparts this week and is expected to be in the hunt tomorrow. He four putted the 17th but rolled in an incredibly difficult birdie chip from the bunker on the last to stay in touch with the leaders.
“I will go for it tomorrow and try and beat these young guys!” said Minoza, who won seven times in Japan during the peak of his career.
Minoza now spends most of his time playing on the Japan Seniors Tour where he has claimed a title in each of the past three seasons. Defending champion Antonio Lascuna from the Philippines carded a 67 and is two off the pace along with Sattaya who fired a 70.
Leading third round scores (par-71):
208 – Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 69-74-65, Ratchapol Jantavara (THA) 74-69-65, Michael Tran (VIE) 65-73-70
209 – Frankie Minoza (PHI) 69-71-69
210 – Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 71-72-67, Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 68-72-70
211 – Somkiat Srisanga (THA) 73-70-68, Charles Hong (PHI) 70 72 69
213 – Mohd Rizal Amin (MAS) 73-72-68, Nakarintra Ratanakul (THA) 70-73-70, Ben Leong 71-71-71, Mithun Perera (SRI) 70 72 71, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 68-73-72
214 – Nicholas Fung (MAS) 72-72-70, Piya Swangarunporn (THA) 72-69-73, Pipatpong Naewsuk (THA) 69-71-74