NICHOLAS VAULTS TO THE TOP IN THAILAND
Nicholas gets closer to winning first Asian Tour crown
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Nicholas Fung is on the verge of his first Asian Tour win after shooting his second successive three-under 68 in the third round of the Queen’s Cup in Thailand.
The 26-year-old made five birdies against two bogeys at the Santiburi Samui Country Club in Koh Samui yesterday for a three-day total of 11-under 202. He is one shot in front of former Asian Tour No. 1 – Juvic Pagunsan (68) of the Philippines and overnight leader Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand (70).
Danny Chia, the other Malaysian, is also in contention.
The two-time Asian Tour winner fired six birdies to offset two dropped shots for a 67 to take a share of fourth place on 204.
Nicholas was delighted to be leading the pack into the final round.
“Shooting three-under was my target today. When we started, it was a bit tough as the wind was up but I managed to hold it together,” said the Sabahan.
Nicholas, however, is not letting himself be carried away by the lead.
He had led by two shots going into the final round of the 2015 World Classic Championship in Singapore, only to lose the title by a shot to Danthai Boonma of Thailand.
“I don’t want to think about winning. I just want to play good golf and shoot another 68 tomorrow.
“In the past, I was too tensed going into the final round. I put myself under a lot of pressure by wanting to win badly.
“I’m playing well now. What I need is to enjoy the day tomorrow,” said Nicholas.
Danny, meanwhile, will be bidding to add a third Asian Tour crown to his name.
“It’s kind of a surprise to be in contention as I’ve not been hitting the ball great this week,” said the 44-year-old Danny, whose last victory was at the Taiwan Masters in 2015.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Still 18 holes to go. I’m just going to focus on my own game, take it hole by hole.”
National No. 1 Gavin Kyle Green is tied for 27th place after carding a 70 for a one-under 212.