KAJANG [Selangor]: Kemarol Baharin climbed into a share of the lead following the third round of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) UMW Impian Championship on Friday.

The two-time winner carded a flawless five-under 67, highlighted by an eagle on the par-five #17 to join Thailand’s Donlaphatchai Niyomchon at the top of the leaderboard at Impian Golf & Country Club.

Overnight leader Donlaphatchai stayed within sight of his first ASEAN PGA Tour title with a round of 69 for a 13-under-203 total.

Hot on their heels was local veteran R. Nachimuthu, who shot the low round of the day with a second successive six-under 66 to move to third, alongside another Thai Sutijet Kooratanapisan (68), who had a 68.

The other Niyomchon’s sibling in the field, Natthapong followed up his second round 64 with a four-under 68 today and was alone in fifth place on 11-under-par.

Happy to be still top of the pack, albeit in a share with a different player, Donlaphatchai credited his putting to staying on course for the title in a tournament that carries RM180,000 in prize money and is co-sanctioned with the ASEAN PGA Tour.

“I putted well and I am still in the running for the title,” said Donlaphatchai. “Hopefully I can go on tomorrow and do the same, if not better, and maybe win it here at Impian,” he said.

Leading third round scores (Par-72):
Malaysian unless stated
203 – Kemarol Baharin 67-69-67, Niyomchom Donlaphatchai (THA) 69-65-69
204 – R. Nachimuthu 72-66-66, Kooratanapisan Sutijet (THA) 69-67-68
205 – Niyomchom Natthapong (THA) 73-64-68
206 – Prakongvech Settee (THA) 72-65-69
207 – Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari 69-69-69
209 – Airil Rizman Zahari 68 -73-68, Naewsuk Pipatpong (THA) 71-69-69, Rizal Amin 70-70-69
210 – Solomon Emilio Rosidin 73-68-69, Nicholas Fung 70-69-71