FOCUS ON Masterly display by Willett sees him go three clear in KL

DANNY WILLETT takes a threeshot lead into today’s final round of the Maybank Championship, in Kuala Lumpur, as he looks to claim a first Tour title since victory at the Masters.

Englishman Willett went round in 67 for the second consecutive day yesterday to lead American David Lipsky by three shots and Frenchman Alexander Levy by a further stroke at Saujana Golf and Country Club.

Willett, 29, who finished second in the Race To Dubai rankings in 2016, is coming back to form after an early-season struggle and is now in pole position to secure his first victory since winning at Augusta National last April.

“It was up and down. I’d have taken a 67 at the start of the day, it spreads the top five or six guys out a bit more and further away,” Willett said.

“I’m probably going to go hit a few and make a few little minor tweaks here and there and try to get the driver to where it has been most of the week.

“I’m not sure what will win it, to be honest, it depends on if we pitch up and it’s flat calm. I think there’s a few guys that can go low if it’s windy like this.

“One or two under par is a good knock out there so I think it all depends on the weather tomorrow.”

Overnight leader Bernd Wiesberger is tied for fourth after enduring a difficult round of 73 which leaves him five shots off the lead.

Gregory Havret and Panuphol Pittayarat both carded rounds of 66 to join Wiesberger on 11-under.

Lipsky said: “I played really well today, but didn’t hit it my best coming into the greens.

“I drove it well and scrambled well and I’m pretty happy with what I shot. I just need to keep doing what I’m doing.

“I’m playing pretty well and giving myself opportunities. I’ll need to take advantage of the par fives tomorrow, that’s what I need to do.

“My last birdie before 18 was on 10 so I’m happy to have made that.

“Danny and I are friends and it will be neat out there competing.”

Frenchman Levy said afterwards: “It was really good. I played very well today, especially from tee to green. I had a lot of good chances for birdie and I’m really happy with how I’ve been playing in the last three days.

“It will be nice to be in the last group now and be in contention in the last round.

“I used a lot of driver today from the tee, I was feeling really good with driver in my hand. It gave me a lot of wedge shots and I was also very aggressive with my wedges, made a few putts and that was great.

“I don’t think about past victories, it’s been tough for me the last few months. I have a new coach so to be in this situation now is very nice. Tomorrow I will enjoy being in this position.”

First-round leader, Scot Marc Warren following a 63, ended yesterday 10 shots off Willett after adding a 72 to Friday’s 75.