Green goes one clear in Korea
Todd misses out on top spot after late double-bogey, Natipong three behind heading into final day
>> INCHEON: Malaysia’s Gavin Green grinded out a third round one-underpar 70 to take a slender one-shot lead over the chasing pack at the Shinhan Donghae Open yesterday.
The Malaysian, who is chasing his Asian Tour breakthrough this week, traded five birdies against four bogeys to compile a three-day total of eightunder-par 205 on a windy day at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.
Green started off promisingly with a birdie on the par-five second. He dropped two shots on four and five but recovered quickly with another pair of birdies on holes six and seven.
He then mixed his card with two birdies and two bogeys in his inward nine for a 70 and sole possession of the lead at the KRW1.2 billion (approximately US$1.06 million) event which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Korean PGA.
Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Jarin Todd of the United States rued a costly double-bogey at the last which caused him to slip to a share of second place with South Korea’s Seo Hyung-Seok, Kim Gi-Whan and Lee Seung-Taek.
Zimbabwean Scott Vincent meanwhile continued to impress in his second outing at the tournament as he returned with a 65 to share sixth place on 207 with Canada’s Richard T Lee and Korea’s Kang Kyung-Nam.
Natipong Srithong was the best Thai performer after finishing the third round on five-under 208 after a 69. He shared ninth place with Koreans Lee Sang-Hee (71) and Song Young-Han (72).
Fellow Thai Tirawat Kaewsiribandit was a further stroke back after a 68.
“It was one of those grinding days where I really got to hang in there and take my chances when they come,” said Green who has his father Gary carrying his bag again this week.
The father-son partnership has been key to Green’s success on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). He won two of his three ADT victories with his father on his bag.
“I didn’t hit the ball as well as yesterday and my game plan was to make more putts. The winds were swirling which made play difficult. But I was grinding it out there and trying to make some pars and fortunately, I also got a couple of birdies.
“I got to stay really patient tomorrow because there are so many good players behind me and anything can happen. I’ve been in this position a couple of times already and I know it’s going to take a lot of patience and keeping the faith in myself.”