AMERICAN BOWEN DIGS IN A TOP IN MALAYSIA

Kedah, Malaysia: James Bowen of the United States cemented his lead atop the leaderboard when he carded a four-under-par 68 to secure the third round lead at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters on Friday.

The American posted a three-day total of 17-under-par 199 to take a two-shot lead over Thailand’s Jakraphan Premsirigorn who returned with a 66 to take second place at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who shared the second round lead with Bowen, slipped two places down to third after he signed for a 72 at the Harvard Golf and Country Club.

Bowen, who missed out on the opportunity to earn his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School last month, remained on course to seal his maiden ADT breakthrough and potentially a spot on the region’s premier Tour.

The top three players at the end of the ADT season will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.

“I played solid golf all day and I’m pleased with how things are going for me. I just need to maintain my focus for the last 18 holes and hopefully, it’ll be enough for me to seal a win this week,” said Bowen.

Bowen started his round strongly by carding two birdies in his opening three holes. He dropped two shots on the fourth and fifth holes but managed to recover quickly by making further birdies on the eighth and ninth holes.

The American bogeyed the 12^th but stormed home with three birdies on holes 13, 15 and 18.

Meanwhile Jakraphan remains hopeful that he can make a final day charge and seal a memorable win in his ADT debut.

“This is the first time I’m playing in the ADT and I really want to do well,” said Jakraphan, who mixed his card with three bogeys, seven birdies and an eagle.

“I’m only two shots back and anything can happen in golf. Hopefully, I can play well and luck is on my side tomorrow,” added the Thai.

Leading third round scores

Par 216 (3x72)

199      James BOWEN (USA) 66-65-68

201      Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 71-64-66

203      Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-63-72

204      Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 69-69-66, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 65-70-69

206      Wasin SRIPATTRANUSORN (THA) 70-68-68, Zanie Boy GIALON (PHI)71-66-69, S. Siva Chandhran (MAS)69-66-71, Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 70-69-68, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 68-69-70, HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE) 68-66-73

207      Shaifubari MUDA (MAS) 65-73-70