Peradol Hangs on to Lead in Thongchai Jaidee Foundation
Peradol Panyathanasedh fired a steady 69 to stay three shots clear after the third round of the BT4 Million Thongchai Jaidee Foundation at the Black Mountain yesterday.
The midway stage co-leader produced six birdies versus three bogeys for a three day overall score of 9-under-par 207, three ahead of 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist Kasidit Lepkurte who also carded a 69.
“I played my best golf of the week and barely made no mistakes. I just l planned to hit the fairways but it turned out my tee shots went further than I would expect many times,” said the 26-year-old former national player who changed his name from Warut Chomchalaem two years ago.
The 2007 SEA Games individual winner is eyeing on snapping the long drought of title since winning at the Green Valley in Rayong six years ago. He came close to victory at the Watermill Golf and Garden in Nakhon Nayok in September but a dismal form on the final day deprived him of the title, losing to Udorn Duangdecha in the end.
“I won’t be under pressure for sure as I have been through that already. Instead I will be motivated to win as it’s been too long already. Three stroke lead is a big advantage as it’s not easy to hit birdies on this course. If I keep the mistakes low, there’s a big chance for me to win,” added Peradol.
25-year-old Kasidit, playing his first tournament in two months, enjoyed four birdies with only bogey coming on the eighth hole.
“I stuck to my game plan by being very patient. I try not to put myself under pressure .Too bad I made a few mistakes during the first two rounds or I would have been in a much better position,” said Kasidit in search for his first ATD title after a third place finish in the Philippines in April.
“The margin is not too big. If I can play like this, I still have the chance to win,” said Kasidit who last kissed a winning trophy last year at a local PGA event in Chiang Mai.
Former Asian Tour No 2 in 2007 Chapchai Nirat produced the day’s best score of 67 to follow at joint third with 5-under-par 211, along with first round leader Udorn Duangdecha and Pannakorn Uthaipas who won a Mazda car by hitting a hole in one on the par 3 hole 14 on Friday.
Thai No 2 Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the title holder, hit a 73 to sign off with a total 213 at lone seventh. The hope to retain his crown has not yet escaped from his mind.
“It was the day that I just didn’t add up score. I think it had something to do with my strength. Six shots behind is quite big but I use to hit a very low score on this course. I will give my all in the final day.”
