Panuphol one behind leaders in Taiwan
Overnight leader slips to third position as Catlin and Hung hold the whip hand in Taiwan
>> LINKOU: Panuphol Pittayarat slipped one shot off the pace after the third round of the US$500,000 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) yesterday.
Panuphol, the overnight co-leader, hit a one-under-par 71 to share third place with India’s Viraj Madappa (67) and Kim Si-Hwan (69) of the United States on seven-under 209.
The trio trailed leading duo John Catlin of the United States and Hung Chien-yao of Taiwan by one shot heading into today’s final round at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
“It was a tough day. I couldn’t find the fairways and could only find the trees. But I managed to get away with it,” said the 25-year-old Panuphol.
“The greens are not very easy to judge but it’s still a red number for me so I’m OK. I’m still in contention and I cannot complain. Obviously I got to find my way on the fairways tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
Another Thai hope Prom Meesawat moved into contention after shooting a third-round 70. He was alone at sixth on 210, just two shots behind Catlin and Hung.
Catlin continued to enjoy the success of his hard work as he signed for a two-under 70 to tie with local hope Hung, who had a 68.
Catlin ensured the long hours put into practice paid off as he chased his third Asian Tour victory.
The 27-year-old, who has already enjoyed two wins in China and Malaysia this year, traded five birdies against three bogeys to compile a three-day total of eight-under 208 which was matched by Hung, who had earlier taken the first round lead.
“Anytime you got a chance to win a golf tournament going into Sunday, you got to be happy. That’s where you want to be and that’s where I spent all my hours on the driving range, working hard on my game,” said Catlin.
“It’s awesome to be in that spot and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I’m going to hit every shot as good as I can and hopefully the scores will all add up to a winning one.”
Hung, who is hoping for his maiden Asian Tour breakthrough on home soil, made up for his disappointing 74 by posting a bogey-free 68.
“It was a good day for me and I’m happy I was able to make up for yesterday’s disappointment,” said Hung. “I hit the ball well especially with my new driver.”