Ayer Keroh (MELAKA): Mohd Sukree Othman played himself right into contention at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) ASEAN PGA Melaka Championship after finishing in a tie for the lead after the third round on Friday.

Sukree climbed to five-under 211 alongside Gunn Charoenkul of Thailand after both players carded matching two-under 70s at Ayer Keroh Country Club.

The strong Thai contingent continued to dominate with Pravee Visalkit (70) in third place on four-under 212 with Panuphol Pittayarat (72) taking a share of fourth with locals Airil Rizman Zahari (73) and overnight leader Iylia Jamil (74).

Happy to be in a good position to have a crack at the title tomorrow, 2012 champion Sukree said he was still a little way from being totally comfortable with his game. “I’m not yet where I want to be with my ball-striking, but mentally I am alright,” said the 36-year-old.

“I started well today with birdie-par-birdie on the first three holes and then held on until the 15th hole where I got another birdie. Unfortunately, I gave one shot back with the bogey on the  very next hole. But overall I am just happy to be in with a chance at the title,” added the Kota Permai resident professional, who is chasing his sixth PGM Tour crown and his first since Perlis last season.

Leading third round scores (Malaysian unless stated)
211 Mohd Sukree Othman 71-70-70, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 67-74-70
212 Pravee Visalkit (THA) 70-72-70
213 Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 71-70-72, Airil Rizman Zahari 70-70-73, Iylia Jamil 70-69-74
214 Lam Yu Shuen 71-69-74
215 M Sasidaran 72-73-70, Pipatpong Naewsuk (THA) 74-71-70, Hans Jamil 70-74-71, Nicholas Fung 70-73-72
216 Kenneth De Silva 76-70-70, Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 72-71-73, Teerawat Poipong (THA) 70-73-73
217 Kemarol Baharin 76-68-73
218 Nattapong Putta (THA) 75-71-72, Philip Matsson (THA) 74-71-73, Khor Kheng Hwai 73-77-68, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 73-71-74