Jakarta: Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand shot a 6-under 66 to lead by three strokes after the third round of the Indonesian Open on Saturday.
Thaworn made an eagle and five birdies, offset by a single bogey, to total 14-under 202 at the Pantai Indah Kapuk course.
"It was a great result but it was hard work at times because I had some trouble with my driver," said Thaworn, who won the tournament by five strokes in 2005. "I was hitting it fine on the driving range, but on the front nine I started hooking it."
Defending champion Michael Hendry birdied his last three holes in a 69 for a share of second place, along with Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand (65).
Despite holing six birdies after improving his putting, Hendry said his play was "awful." The New Zealander was unhappy with his driving, especially on the front nine, where he shot four bogeys."I`m just happy I managed to scrape my way back from no man`s land halfway through the round and finish off in a position where I can hopefully challenge to win tomorrow," Hendry said. "It was a bit of a confidence boost finishing with three birdies in a row today."
Chawalit has re-emerged as one of Thailand`s best players, having won the Queen`s Cup in his home country last month. His biggest previous win was the Bangkok Airways Open in 2006.
Han Chang-won of South Korea, the 19-year-old overnight leader, dropped to equal fourth after a double-bogey at No. 18 for a 71.
Local favorite Rory Hie (68), Kim Felton of Australia (68) and Wisut Artjanawat of Thailand (67) are also at 206.Former Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley shot a 71 to rise to 33rd place. The Irish veteran started the day tied for 45th after shooting a 74 in the first round and a 69 in the second.
McGinley recently recovered from a left knee injury that hampered his play for most of the year.
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