SPANIARD ELVIRA TAKES TWO SHOT LEAD IN MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur, March 23: Nacho Elvira edged closer to a maiden European Tour trophy after he posted a six-under-par 66 to gain a two-shot advantage over David Lipsky at the Maybank Championship penultimate round on Saturday.
The title, however, remains up for grabs with Australian Scott Hend, Germany's Maximilian Kieffer and Thai stalwart Jazz Janewattananond only three shots off Elvira.
Elvira had been in contention after he joint-led with Marcus Fraser on Thursday.
Coming into the third round, Elvira of Spain trailed Thomas Pieters by a single shot in stiflingly hot conditions, but gained the advantage courtesy of his seven birdies.
“I'm very happy with a 66. It was tough with the heat and humidity today. I stayed patient and it paid off in the end,” he said.
“It would be great to start here (winning on the European Tour but I really don't think about it too much. I like the way things are right now with my swing,” he added.
Two-time European Tour winner Lipsky will be hoping to add a third after he finished the day with a 67 despite two bogey flaws.
“It's a tricky course so you are going to make bogeys out there, you have just got to make your share of birdies. If I can keep making birdies like I am, I think I'll be alright,” the American said.
Ernie Els, in his bid to end a six-year title drought made a consistent showing for a 69.