Thai star Thongchai Jaidee birdied the 18th hole for a narrow one stroke lead in the third round at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open on Saturday.    

Thongchai Jaidee Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open 

The former Asian Tour number one nailed six birdies against a lone dropped shot for a nine-under-par 207 total and a one stroke advantage over Sweden’s Alexander Noren who posted a 66 at the New Kuta Golf Resort.

England’s Simon Griffiths carded a 69 and was among those in a tie for third place alongside former winner and compatriot Simon Dyson and Denmark’s Jeppe Huldahl who both shot matching 70s.

India’s Jyoti Randhawa charged up the leaderboard after a 66 to lie in joint ninth place together with England’s Steve Webster who slipped down the ranks after an even-par round.

Thanks to steady putting today, Thongchai will be eager to emulate his performance when he heads out on Sunday.

“My irons were good and consistent except for one hole at the 16th. But the key was my putting today. It was good. I read the lines well. It was a nice finish and I’m enjoying myself,” said Thongchai who was five under after nine holes before closing in with a bogey on the 16th and birdie on the 18th hole.

“The pin position was tough and the wind was strong on the back nine. The green is also very tricky this week. If you hit it more than three feet, it’s quite tough and difficult to read the lines. But I’m pleased and look forward to Sunday,” added the leader.

Sweden’s Noren shot a 66 and was a stroke behind the Thai golfer in lone second place.
(AsianTour.com)

Leading third round scores

207 – Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 71-69-67

208 – Alexander Noren (SWE) 69-73-66

209 – Richard Bland (ENG) 72-71-66, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 70-70-69, Ross Mcgowan (ENG) 69-71-69, Scott Drummond (SCO) 71-69-69, Jeppe Huldahl (DEN) 73-66-70, Simon Dyson (ENG) 68-71-70

210 – Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 74-70-66, Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 68-71-71, Steve Webster (ENG) 69-69-72

211 – Anthony Kang (USA) 70-71-70

212 – Simon Khan (ENG) 68-76-68, Gary Lockerbie (ENG) 71-72-69, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-73-70, Jason Knutzon (USA) 72-70-70, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 71-70-71, Digvijay Singh (IND) 69-72-71

213 – Frankie Minoza (PHI) 74-69-70, James Kamte (RSA) 72-71-70, Gary Murphy (IRL) 70-72-71, Gavin Flint (AUS) 70-72-71, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 70-72-71, Chinnarat Phadungsil (THA) 70-71-72, Tony Carolan (AUS) 68-74-71, Ted Oh (KOR) 73-67-73, Angelo Que (PHI) 64-76-73