Thanyakorn Takes the Lead at Singha SAT Championship

The Khon Kaen born, who won three Thailand PGA Tour titles in 2014 and ended that year as No 1, fired four birdies, one bogey and an eagle on the 18^th hole for a 65 and a three-day total 11-under-par 205.

“My drive shots and approach shots are quite well but my short putts let me down. I had two three par putts on the 13 th and 15 th. For the eagle shot, I hit just 10 feet from the pin in the third shot,” said Thanyakorn looking for his first victory in two years after winning his latest at the Plutaluang Resort in Chonburi 2014.

Since then the 25-year-old came close several times at winning but failed to maintain his lead on the final day and settled at second including the opening leg of the All Thailand Tour in Khon Kaen earlier this year.

“As long I can start well by hitting early birdies, I can win this tournament. But for several times in the past, I was  sluggish at start and it ruined my entire final days,” added Thanyakorn.

Following a shot behind were the trio of Jakraphan Premsirigorn , Chapchai Nirat and Thepbadin Amaranan. The Hong-Kong Thai Jakraphan had the best round of them all of a 65 while former Asian Tour No 2 Chapchai and unfancied Thepbadin hit  a 67 each.

“I played well today without making any errors. My game plan was to hit the fairways and make good putts. On a short course like this, those who make less mistakes stand a great shot,” said the 24-year-old Jakraphan who last won a Thailand PGA Tour a year ago  at the Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Cha Choeng Sao province.

Chapchai, 33, is also eyeing on ending a long drought of title since winning an Asian Tour title in Selangor two years ago.

“All I need is to putt well. All aspects of my game are good except for my short game. I hope that I can cope with it tomorrow,” said Chapchai.