Saujana Impian: R. Nachimuthu fired a bogey-free 70 to open up a one-shot advantage alongside Mohd Rizal Amin after the third round of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Impian Championship on Friday.The seasoned Nachimuthu built nicely on his second round 66 to amass a nine-under 207 overall at Impian Golf & Country Club as Rizal, who came into the round with a one-stroke cushion, shot an even-par 72 to retain his chances of a maiden Tour triumph.

Reigning Tour number one Nicholas Fung (69) and Hans Jamil (71) were joint third while Iain Steel moved up to fifth place with a five-under 67.

Rahizam Ramli (72) and Dino Abdillah (75) were tied for sixth on 211, with Sukree Othman (69), Faridil Atras (72), S. Sivachandhran (73) and Danny Chia (73)  a further stroke back.

Overnight leader Rizal was pleased to remain in contention after a battling display, lamented a poor opening nine that saw him drop four shots, including a bogey five at the opening hole.

“Things might have been different had I not bogeyed the first hole, seventh and ninth. But I did get my composure back over the back nine where I managed a two-under 34 with an eagle at the par-five 17th hole.

“I just have to stay focused on doing the right things in the fourth and final round tomorrow. Hopefully I can get the job completed, but I know it will not be an easy task,” he added.

Leading third round scores
207 – R. Nachimuthu 69-68-70, Mohamad Rizal Amin 68-67-72
208 – Nicholas Fung 67-72-69, Hans Jamil 68-69-71
210 – Iain Steel 74-69-67
211 – Rahizam Ramli 70-69-72, Dino Abdillah 70-66-75
212 – Sukree Othman 71-72-69, Faridil Atras 67-73-72, S. Siva Chandhran 70-69-73, Danny Chia 67-72-73
213 – Shaifubari Muda 68-74-71, Rashid Ismail 69-72-72, Kemarol Baharin 69-69-75