Evergreen Prayad Remains Red Hot

[sbk]

Evergreen Prayad remains red hot
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation


Prayad Marksaeng makes a gesture as he walks over a footbridge during the third round of Chiang Mai Golf Classic.

CHIANG MAI: -- Thai on course for back-to-back titles at home after a 66

Red-hot Prayad Marksaeng remained on track for back-to-back titles at home after shooting a 66 for a convincing five-shot advantage over two others at the conclusion of the third round of the US$750,000 Chiang Mai Golf Classic at the Alpine Golf Resort yesterday.

The in-form Hua Hin-based golfer, who two weeks ago won the Japan Tour co-sanctioned Thailand Open, his first international victory since the 2008 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, produced six birdies and one eagle against two bogeys to take a huge lead over countryman Thongchai Jaidee and Australian Matthew Stieger.

After a slow start, the 47-year-old boosted his confidence and score with a two-yard birdie putt on the fourth and the momentum began to shift his way from then on. His impressive round was highlighted by a 50-yard chip in for an eagle from the rough.

Followed by over 100 fans, the 47-year-old Thai could have started the fourth round today with a bigger margin had he not wasted a shot on the 15th hole. After his first bogey of the day, Prayad further stained his scorecard on the next hole by missing an easy one-foot par putt. He, however, recovered quickly to sink his last birdie of the day on the next hole.

"I didn't start well on the first three holes because I switched to my old style of putting. But after that I talked to my caddie, I went back to cross-hand putts and it worked well," said Prayad.

"I have a five-shot lead but it doesn't mean the other guys won't be able to catch up with me. I will have to widen the gap and if no one can catch up with me on the front nine, I think I should win."

Thongchai struggled with his putts most of the day and finally made his first bogey of the week on the third hole, followed by another on the 17th. After missing birdie chances here and there, he ended with a desirable birdie for a 69 for a total 13-under 203 to share second place with Stieger, who hit a 68.

Last week's Malaysian Open champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat fired a 66 for 12-under-par 204, which placed him at joint fourth along with Australia's Marcus Both and Scott Hend, South Korea's YE Yang, South Africa's Anton Hang and India's Digvijay Singh.

"I'm happy to give it a fight and it paid off today. It should have been better if I hadn't had a double bogey on the 15th after my tee-off shot went into the pool. I should have hit a 9 iron instead of an 8 and hit with more power," said Kiradech .

Former world No 1 Ernie Els of South Africa enjoyed his best round of the week, carding a 66 for a three-day total of 10-under 206.

"Obviously I could have done a little bit better. I gave myself chances. The greens were nice and smooth and a little bit quicker. I made a couple of putts and was trying to squeeze some birdies out of the course on the last couple of holes but didn't hit good shots," added the "Big Easy", who is looking for a title since winning the British Open last year

"I haven't had a good year up to now. I haven't played great rounds. I've needed this and I've been working hard on the short putter. Obviously, today was a little easier on the greens. Hopefully I can build on that. I wanted to go low today but I'm going in the right direction with a 66. Maybe I'll go a little bit lower tomorrow," said Els, who was tied at joint 15th along with Thai young star Thitipun Chuayprakong.

-- The Nation 2013-03-31

[GregHanrahan]

Congrats Prayad! You deserve your national title! He is one of the friendliest and talented people that i have ever had the honor to know. We played golf on the 'Singha Team' together for many years and I enjoyed traveling on the Japan circuit with Prayad and the guys. For a Thai he can eat sushi and shashimi likes its going out of style. My hat is off to Prayad - awesome WIN!

[sticklee]

at the time of my post, Prayad is 2 over for the 4th round and Aussie Scott Hend has gone low with a 64 to get to 20 under and pretty much seal the victory.

[GregHanrahan]

YES...okay...kool......AND Daniel Wyborn is ---- did he caddy for his friend Scott? We all had dinner the Sat. nite before last round (not Hend), but Dan, Jurgen, Yates'y ---Simon bought me dinner for his birthday - we met in Germany (tradition) and been roomates on Asia Tour for many years. He made a kool mil. with tie 4th. Glad i got dinner outta a SCOTSMAN.........