Australia`s Smith takes lead in early career boost

Jakarta: Australia`s Cameron Smith gave his fledgling professional career a huge boost at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters Saturday as he took the third round lead with a five-under-par 67.

But two big names at the tournament, rising French star Victor Dubuisson and former Major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, withdrew with shoulder and back injuries respectively. Smith, 20, notched up a three-day total of 14-under-par 202 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club to head into the final round in pole position in what is only his second professional event on the Asian Tour. "I`m feeling good, pretty ecstatic right now. I am actually leading a professional tournament for the first time," said Smith, who traded five birdies, an eagle and two bogeys, according to an Asian Tour press release. "I`ll keep to the same game plan tomorrow which is to hit as many fairways and greens as I can and continue to putt well." India`s Anirban Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner, displayed the qualities that made him a EurAsia Cup hero when he shot a flawless 64 to trail Smith by one in second place while compatriot Rashid Khan also matched Lahiri`s effort with a 64 to take third place. Meanwhile Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand signed for a 65 to take fourth place on 205 total in the $750,000 Asian Tour event. Smith took up golf professionally after a shining amateur career in which he won a series of events including the 2013 Australian Amateur, Australian Junior Championship and Australian Stroke Play Championship in 2011. Leading scores after round three of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters (par 72): 202 - Cameron Smith (AUS) 68-67-67 203 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 70-69-64 204 - Rashid Khan (IND) 70-70-64 205 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 71-69-65 206 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 70-69-67, S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND) 71-66-69, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 70-64-72 Selected scores: 210 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 71-72-67, Nicholas Fung (MAS) 67-69-74