LONG SHOT TAKES LEAD
Rookie Sordet two ahead at Amata Spring
CHON BURI: Little-known French rookie Clement Sordet produced an enterprising nine-under-par 63 in the third round yesterday to surge two shots ahead of the star-studded field at the US$1 million Thailand Golf Championship.
Starting the third day six shots behind the lead at Amata Spring Country Club, Sordet made a big move with an eagle and seven birdies to leapfrog a handful of stars and claim the top spot on the leaderboard on 16-under 200.
The 23-year-old, who turned professional five months ago and was one of the last players to have received an invite, now goes into today’s final round with a two-shot cushion over overnight leader Jamie Donaldson of Wales (71).
England’s Lee Westwood, who is eager to add a third Thailand Golf Championship title to his victories in 2011 and 2014, was on 203 while An Byeong-Hun of South Korea (68) was a stroke further away.
Sordet, who had his maiden professional victory at the Northern Ireland Open on the European Challenge Tour in August, was himself surprised with yesterday’s flawless round.
“Honestly, I had no idea I was nineunder at the end. I just went shot by shot. So nine-under, I’m pretty happy about it,” he said.
“I hit some really good shots and made pretty much every putt.
“I felt pretty good [outperforming major winners and Ryder Cup stars]. It’s pretty much my dream to play with the top players.”
The highlights of his round yesterday were the eagle on the 15th — the hole he bogeyed in the first round — and the birdie on the 17th where he had carded a triple bogey in the second round.
“The birdie on 17 was like revenge after the stupid triple yesterday [Friday],” he said.
For the final round, Sordet said: “I am trying not to think about it.”
Overnight leader Donaldson made the turn on 34 with three birdies and one bogey, and then had three birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey on the 12th.
“I was cruising. Playing not great but doing enough until the 12th, which was a killer,” said the Welsh world No.68.
“A double there and suddenly from feeling great, to ‘Hang on a minute. Where’s this going?’
“It has not been what I wanted today, but tomorrow is another day and I just have to get off to a quick start.
“I have done enough to stay in the tournament. I’m still in it.”
Former world No.1 Westwood yesterday sounded a lot more confident and at ease with the course where he has won twice.
“I hit it close a lot today and played with a new putter. I’m rolling the ball quite nicely with it,” said the Englishman.
“I’m three behind and I’ve still got to shoot a really low score tomorrow. The guys up there are all good players and I need a really low score to complete a hat-trick.”
Last year’s runner-up Martin Kaymer of Germany suffered three bogeys on the last six holes for a 72.
A three-day total of 205 left him tied for fifth with former champion and world No.12 Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain.
“It was a disappointing finish. But overall, I’m playing well,” said the twotime major champion.
“I am happy with my irons. If I hit more of the fairways and get lucky on the greens, I’ll have a chance.”
“It’s all about winning and hopefully it will be a birdie festival and I’ll be aggressive. But to do that, I need a solid start.”
Former Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat carded a 67 with six birdies and one bogey for 208.
The 26-year-old started with three birdies in a row before adding two more on the seventh and eighth. He suffered a bogey on the ninth and came back with a birdie on the 13th.
“It was a good round. I have been striking the ball so well,” said the Thai who is seeking his third Asian Tour title.
“It was a good start. But on the back nine, I just couldn’t sink a putt. I missed birdie putts from inside six feet on five or six holes.”
“If I had holed those putts, I might have jumped up to the top of the leaderboard or could have been just a couple of strokes behind [the leader].”
Targeting to be the first Thai and Asian player to win the tournament, he admitted that he was now too far behind the leader to have any realistic chance.
Phachara Khongwatmai (70) and Panuphol Pittayarat (73) were tied for 14th on 209.
Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee (72) was joint 29th on 212, while world No.4 Bubba Watson (72) was a stroke further down with Natipong Srithong (74).
Chinnarat Phadungsil, who was four shots behind the leader after two rounds, laboured to a 79 yesterday for a total of 214.