Lee leads by three shots at Maybank C’ship
KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean Lee Soomin surged to the top of the leaderboard with a three-stroke lead in the third round of the US$3 million ((RM12.6 million) Maybank Championship Malaysia golf tournament at the Royal Selangor Golf Club, here yesterday.
In yesterday's round, Lee produced a f lawless display, carding nine birdies against two bogeys for seven-under 64 to poll a three-day total of 198.
"It was very exciting. I had a good feeling this week because I like playing on this course. I hit many important iron shots today.
"I tried to putt close to the hole but it went in, so I gained some confidence on the greens," said the 22-year-old Lee, who is playing in his second season on the Asian Tour.
"I didn't look at the scoreboard. I was really enjoying my round. After making birdie, I gained more confidence and continued to make more birdies. I feel a little bit nervous thinking about the final round but I will try my best. This weekend will be very good for my golf life," he added.
Australia's Marcus Fraser, a winner on the Asian Tour, posted a 66 to trail in second place while his compatriot and overnight leader Nathan Holman slipped to third place following a triple bogey on the last as he settled for a 73 in yesterday's round.
Fraser's round was highlighted by five birdies and kept up his chase to end a sixyear title drought after making a crucial up-and-down on the last hole.
"The up and down on the last was pretty key, it was a straightforward putt, even though it was from 15 feet. I knew the line was a ball outside left and down grain, the key was just to make sure I got it there and luckily it had just enough legs.
"I've had a fair few chances (to win) without managing to get the job done, so it's been frustrating but hopefully I can get over the line tomorrow," said Fraser.
Holman, in contrast, after fighting back from being three over through 10 holes, was disappointed when he dropped three shots on the last hole after his approach shot dropped in a pond.
"I played pretty scrappy. I then had a chance to finish quite close to the lead and played quite nice on the back nine so it's lucky you don't win golf tournaments on a Saturday.
"There was still a lot of good, there wasn't too much bad, there were a few bogeys so still lots of good, plenty of positives to take and I'll move on tomorrow," said Holman.
Meanwhile, Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee withdrew from the penultimate round of the event due to illness.
Malaysia's best finisher in yesterday's round was Nicholas Fung with a four-under-par 209 to lie in joint 25th place.
"I hit so bad in the first two rounds and finally today I got back the momentum," said the Sabahan. - Bernama