PORT DICKSON [Negeri Sembilan]: New Zealand’s Sean Riordan knows he has to hold his nerve for a career defining victory as he continues to lead the RM200,000 (approx. US$60,000) Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Port Dickson Championship with a third round two-under-par 69 on Friday.

The overnight leader continues to enjoy a comfortable three-shot cushion with his three day total of 11-under-par 202 at the Port Dickson Golf and Country Club.

Malaysia’s Kemarol Baharin kept the local hopes alive by returning with a 67 to share second place with American Micah Lauren Shin and Chanat Sakulpolphaisan of Thailand at the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Searching for his maiden ADT win this week, Riordan got off well again with a birdie on the second hole before following up with another at the par-four 12th.

The 26-year-old dropped his only shot of the day on 15th but would close with another birdie on 18th.

While it was not anywhere near his second round heroics of a 62, Riordan still took pride in his battling performance.

“I only missed two greens in regulation today and overall I played solid,” said Riordan, who missed the grade at Asian Tour Qualifying school in January.

Riordan is aware he cannot afford to slip up in his last 18 holes and will be looking towards his local caddie to help him calm his nerves.

“The heart rate has to stay low and it’s important to keep talking to my caddie. He’s a great guy from Kuala Lumpur and I know he will help me remain calm especially going down the last stretch in those final nine holes,” said Riordan.

 
Leading third round scores (Par-72) >
Malaysian unless stated
202 – Sean Riordan (NZL) 71-62-69
205 – Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 69-70-66, Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 69-70-66, Kemarol Baharin 68-70-67
206 – Hans Jamil 70-67-69, Airil Rizman Zahari 71-65-70, M. Sasidaran 70-66-70
207 – R. Nachimuthu 68-71-68, Shaaban Hussin 70-68-69
208 – Paul Donahoo (AUS) 71-71-66, Annop Tangkamolprasert (THA) 74-64-70