Jasin [MELAKA]: Top ranked amateur Low Khai Jei fired an impressive six-under 66 to take the outright lead of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Orna Championship on Friday.

The 19-year-old former national moved to 11-under 205 after the third round at Orna Golf & Country Club, leaving him three shots clear of overnight leader Nicholas Fung, who carded a one-under 71.

Khor Kheng Hwai (70), who will complete the final flight tomorrow, was a single stroke adrift on 290.

Wilson Choo (69) was fourth on six-under 210 while Mohd Amli Mohayideen returned with a blistering eight-under 64, propelling him into joint fifth place with Ben Leong (71).

Leaving seasoned pros in his wake, Low admitted that he was “a bit nervous” about leading the RM180,000 event with a day to go.

“I haven’t been in a situation like this before (in a pro tournament), so I am feeling a bit nervous,” he said. “But I will try to just play my normal game tomorrow and see what happens.”

Turning in with an even-par 36, Low raised the stakes with five straight birdies from the tenth before adding another for good measure at the 17th hole.

“At one stage I was five shots behind, but over the back nine I got into a groove where I felt really comfortable with my swing and putted okay too. Hopefully I can continue with it again tomorrow and play a steady game,” added the Taiping native.

Leading third round scores >
205 – Low Khai Jei (A) 69-70-66
208 – Nicholas Fung 68-69-71
209 – Khor Kheng Hwai 70-69-70
210 – Wilson Choo 68-73-69
211 – Mohd Amli Mohayideen 76-71-64, Ben Leong 70-70-71
213 – Shaifubari Muda 70-73-70
214 – Kim Leun Kwang 73-71-70
215 – Lam Yu Shuen 67-73-75
217 – Airil Rizman 73-76-68, Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari 68-76-73