Atwal carries lead into final round

India’s Arjun Atwal will take a two-shot lead into the delayed final round of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open today.

Atwal completed a third round 67 this morning for a 19-under total of 194 at the Mines Resort, two ahead of playing partner Retief Goosen, who carded a 66.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington is in a tie for third three shots further back after a 67, alongside Sweden’s Daniel Chopra.

Resuming his third round on the ninth hole at 8am with a four-shot lead, Atwal pulled his drive into deep rough and lost the ball, resulting in a double bogey six, his first dropped shots of the week.

Goosen then birdied the 10th to close the gap to one, before Atwal hit back with birdies at the 11th and 13th and an eagle on the short par-four 15th - where he drove to within five feet of the pin – to restore his four-shot cushion.

European number one Goosen was not giving in the chase however and birdied the last two holes to set up an intriguing final round battle – weather permitting.

“He’s praying for a rain delay and I’m not,” said the world number five, referring to the afternoon thunderstorms on Friday and yesterday afternoon which brought an early end to play.

“Two birdies to finish gives me a bit more of a chance this afternoon. It’s going to be a good match if it doesn’t get rained out.”