Harding remains two shots ahead in Pattaya
Title-holder Kapur moves into contention after third-round 67, Chapchai in tied sixth place
>> PATTAYA: Overnight leader Justin Harding of South Africa battled to a one-over-par 71 to stay atop the leaderboard following the penultimate round of the Royal Cup yesterday.
The 32-year-old Harding reeled in 17 straight pars before dropping his first bogey of the week on the 54th hole, reducing his overnight lead to two after compiling a three-day total of 11-under 199 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Defending champion Shiv Kapur of India propelled into second place with a 67 while American Jarin Todd posted a 69 to stay three shots off the pace at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Chapchai Nirat was the best Thai scorer with a 67. He shared sixth place with China’s Liu Yanwei and Australia’s Josh Younger, who both hit 70s to finish on 204.
Sattaya Supupramai was a stroke further back at joint ninth after a 69.
Harding, who won his first Asian Tour start at the Indonesia Open two weeks ago, rued a cold putter and a wayward tee shot on the last which resulted in his only blemish this week. The South African, however, took pride in his battling performance as he continues to chase for back-to-back wins on the region’s premier Tour.
“It was a strange day honestly. Didn’t enjoy making bogey on the last hole but I played solid,” said Harding.
“It’s weird to say this but I am actually happy the bogey came because I would’ve actually liked to get the bogey towards the start of the round just to get it out of the way but it is what it is. I misjudged the wind and pulled my shot on that hole.
“I let everyone back in it. If I played solidly and made a couple of putts I could have, maybe, ran away with it. I have more work to do tomorrow.”
Kapur, who is is looking to defend his title successfully for the first time in his career, hit 11 fairways and greens yesterday.
“It was a pretty good round, conditions were tough with swirly winds and moving in a different direction from the past two rounds,” said the Indian. “Nothing much was happening up until hole 14 when I made a good putt to get some momentum going. Had a good chip on hole 16 to make birdie and on 17 I holed a 30-footer for birdie again.
“I’m happy with the way I finished since all the action happened for me on the last five holes. It was just one of those days where you stay patient when the conditions are tough and you get rewarded.”