Thailand’s Witchayanon to the fore in third round

PETALING JAYA: There’s no way Thailand’s Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng is going to let a third opportunity slip by.

The 23-year-old, who lost the title narrowly in the past two editions through playoffs, is on the brink of winning the Malaysian Amateur Open after firing an eight-under 64 to move eight shots clear of his second-placed compatriot Sadom Kaewkanjana ahead of the final round today.

Witchayanon scored eight birdies in his bogeyfree card at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club in Shah Alam yesterday, taking his three-day tally to 17-under 199.

Defending champion Sadom also enjoyed a flawless round but could only manage three birdies to finish with a third consecutive 69.

Kuala Lumpur SEA Games gold medallist Kosuke Hamamoto, also of Thailand, finally showed what he’s made of in the penultimate

round when he carded a 65 to climb to a share of third spot on seven-under 209.

Hamamoto was struggling to find his feet in the first two rounds as he only managed a pair of 72s.

It was day to forget for overnight leader Kshitij Naveed Kaul as he struggled to a three-over 75 to slip to third.

At 10 shots off the pace, Kshitij is unlikely to end his country’s 18-year title drought in the tournament. The last Indian winner was Shiv Kapur in 2000.

Atiruj Winaicharoenchai made it four Thais in the top five. He shot a 71 for sole fifth place on 212.

The same Thai quartet ruled four of the top five finishes last year and they will surely try to repeat it, albeit with a different winner this time.

Meanwhile, the local players are sinking without trace.

Victor Ng Yu Kai remains the best-placed Malaysian but has fallen out of his overnight topfive position.

The 16-year-old battled to a 76 to end the penultimate stage in joint 11th on two-over 218 with five others.