BANGKOK: Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng yesterday shot a six-under-par 66 to take a five-shot lead over countryman Thongchai Jaidee going into the final round of the $750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Prayad, 47, stretched his overnight two-shot lead by going out in 31, including a chip-in for eagle on the seventh, before completing the back nine in one-under to sit on 18 under at the par 72 Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
Thongchai, a three-time Asian Tour number one, shot a 69 and is tied in second place with Australian rookie Matthew Stieger.
The Thai star, who needs to win today to have a chance of qualifying for next month’s Masters, blamed his putting for not scoring lower.
Stieger shot a fine 68 as he remained bogey-free for the week while Asia’s first Major winner YE Yang of Korea carded a 67 for a share of fourth place.
Four-time Major champion Ernie Els of South Africa fired his lowest round of the season with a 66 to move up to tied 15th place, eight shots behind the leader.
AFP
