PLAPHOL GRABS LEAD IN MYANMAR OPEN

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE ASIAN TOUR

Yangon, Myanmar: Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol sensationally grabbed the third-round lead on 15-under-par 201 with a critical birdie on the last for four-under-par 68 at the US$300,000 Zaykabar Myanmar Open today.

Chawalit, a three-time Asian Tour winner, leads by one-shot over Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who slipped to second despite saving par on the last when his tee shot found water for a 71 at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

Filipino Angelo Que was flawless in a round of 66 as he shared third place with opening round leader Chapchai Nirat (67) of Thailand at the event which is the first tournament on the Asian Tour’s 10^th season.

Rahil Gangjee of India, Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand and Darren Beck of Australia were a further shot back in fifth.

On a blustery day, Chawalit held a two-shot cushion after three straight birdies from the 12^th hole but he posted a double bogey on 16 when he hit a poor second shot into the left rough.

“Overall I played okay except for two bad holes. But I’m happy with how I played. I followed my game plan and it seems to be working. I’m lucky I had that 15 footer birdie on the last to hold the lead,” said the 2011 Queen’s Cup winner, who totalled 15-under-par 201.

Chawalit is hoping to add a fourth Asian Tour title to his career but he is not taking his slim lead for granted as 17 other players are within five shots of the lead.

“I want to win but this golf course favours the long hitters like Kiradech. He is such a good player and I have so many other talented players trailing closely behind,” said the 38-year-old.

After leading in the last two days, Kiradech, who is recovering from a thyroid disorder, is confident of making a final round charge.

“You must have one bad round in four days of golf. I controlled my round and was happy with a one-under. Today was quite windy so that’s why you don’t see many low scores,” said Kiradech, who lost in a play-off last year.

Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2010, was delighted to be in the mix after charging up the leaderboard with six birdies.

“Every time you shoot a six-under without any bogeys is a great day and I’ve been in this situation before. I know how to handle myself and if I stay patient then I can do it,” said Que, known to be one of the most jovial players on Tour.

  LEADING THIRD ROUND TOTALS

Par 216 (3x72) Yardage 7,218 

201 Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 67-66-68.

202 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 64-67-71.

203 Angelo QUE (PHI) 69-68-66, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 64-72-67.

204 Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 71-66-67, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 68-67-69, Darren BECK (AUS) 66-69-69.

205 Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 69-70-66, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-69-69, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-67-71, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 68-66-71, Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 65-69-71.

206 Young NAM (SKOR) 66-73-67, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 71-68-67, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68-70-68, Berry HENSON (USA) 70-68-68, HWANG In-choon (SKOR) 66-70-70, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 67-69-70.

207 Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-69-67, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 71-67-69, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 70-67-70, BAEK Seuk-hyun (SKOR) 67-68-72, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 66-67-74.

208 Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 74-67-67, Tim STEWART (AUS) 71-70-67, Himmat RAI (IND) 70-71-67, Dodge KEMMER (USA) 69-71-68, KIM Seng-yong (SKOR) 72-66-70, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 65-72-71, HU Mu (CHN) 67-70-71.