Date: March 23, 2008
Author:

King, Bransdon five behind

Aussies Jason King and David Bransdon are both five shots off the lead after three rounds of the Asian Tour International in Chonburi, Thailand. Scotland&aposs Ross Bain moved into a share of the lead on 17 under par alongside Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul. In an eventful day three for King, the 29-year-old recorded an eagle at the 11th hole, birdies at the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 14th and a double-bogey on the 12th to card a two-under-par round of 70 and be 12 under overall. Bransdon is also minus 12 after he registered a five-under-par round three which included six birdies and a bogey on the 9th – his only blemish for the day. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Bain, who moved into contention on Friday with a course record 62 in the second round, carded a five under 67 featuring eight birdies, a bogey and a double bogey to move to a total of 199 alongside Noh, who signed for a bogey-free 68. Bain and Noh are two shots clear of third-placed Lin Wen-tang, who shot a 68, while Thailand&aposs Sattaya Supupramai, who had led at the halfway stage, is a shot further back after a one-under 71 at the Pattana Golf and Sports Resort. Japan&aposs Yoshinobu Tsukada carded a bogey-free seven-under 65 to move to 12 under overall to join King and Bransdon in a group of five which is five shots adrift, while seven more are six shots off the lead on 11 under. Seeking a first professional win, Bain carded six birdies on the front nine to reach the turn in 30, but he dropped his first shots of the day with a six on the par-four 10th. However, the Scot pulled two shots back with birdies on the 11th and 13th before a bogey on the par-four 17th. “I played well and it&aposs really satisfying as I can see some good scoring,” said Bain. “On the back nine, I had some slack shots and got penalised. But I made the birdies and I&aposm tied for the lead now. “I made the choice to go back to the short putter after the long putter last year and I think it paid off.” And Bain believes Noh is the man to beat in Sunday&aposs final round. “Noh is a super kid and he is so young,” Bain added. “He has a great golf game and there is no weakness. He does not have any fear in him and I will be paired with him again tomorrow. He is the man to beat but I will play my game and see how it works out.” The 16-year-old Noh, who made a four on the par-five 18th to move into a share of the lead, said: “I knew I was trailing Ross by a stroke and needed a birdie at the last hole.” “It was alright as I was really calm and relaxed.” “I feel good with the end result but slightly disappointed with my putting today.” Noh, who finished second in last month&aposs Sail Open in India, added: “I am not worried about the other players. I even had a chat with my playing partner Ross on the course. He is a very nice guy.” The next-best placed Aussies behind King and Bransdon are Marcus Both (10 under), Terry Pilkadaris (nine under) and Adam Blyth (nine under). Ashley Hall (eight under), Gavin Flint (seven under) and Brad Kennedy (seven under) are further back. Second Round of the Asian Tour International (Par 72): -17: Seung-yul Noh 64 67 68, Ross Bain 70 62 67 -15: Wen-tang Lin 65 68 68 -14: Sattaya Supupramai 64 67 71 -12: Mardan Mamat 67 67 70, Yoshinobu Tsukada 71 68 65, Jason King (Australia) 70 64 70, Wisut Artjanawat 67 68 69, David Bransdon (Australia) 68 69 67 -11: Thaworn Wiratchant 71 66 68, Ben Leong 67 72 66, Simon Griffiths 65 69 71, Mars Pucay 68 67 70, Han Lee 67 69 69, Piya Swangarunporn 70 65 70, Chawalit Plaphol 70 66 70 -10: Marcus Both (Australia) 70 66 70, Stephen Scahill (New Zealand) 70 70 66 -9: Terry Pilkadaris (Australia) 70 69 68, Chinnarat Phadungsil 70 67 70, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 71 70 66, Adam Blyth (Australia) 71 66 70 Also: -8: Ashley Hall (Australia) 70 69 69 -7: Gavin Flint (Australia) 68 68 73, Brad Kennedy (Australia) 69 69 71 -6: Scott Hend (Australia) 69 68 73, David Gleeson (Australia) 72 67 71, Neven Basic (Australia) 69 71 70, Mitchell Brown (Australia) 71 68 71 -5: Michael Wright (Australia) 68 72 71 -4: Rick Kulacz (New Zealand) 72 68 72 -3: Adam Groom (Australia) 71 70 72 -2: Mahal Pearce (New Zealand) 71 69 74 -1: Tony Carolan (Australia) 71 68 76 +1: Richard Moir (Australia) 71 70 76