Thaworn out in front in Taipei

Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant put himself on course for a 12th Asian Tour title after carding a two-under 70 today to take the third-round lead at the inaugural Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.

The 43-year-old hit three birdies against a solitary bogey at the Linkou International Golf Club to move into a one-stroke lead on 10-under-par 206.

Compatriot Chinnarat Phadungsil carded the day’s best round with a 67 to climb up to second place while Malaysia’s Iain Steel is a further shot back in third following a 71.

“A two-under-par score is a good result for me today as the wind conditions were really strong out there. I hope it does not get any worse tomorrow,” said Thaworn.

“I played well given the conditions but the most important thing for me tomorrow is to continue to stay focus and play the way I’ve been playing the last three days.”

Chinnarat collected six birdies and one bogey and believes his driving was key to his good performance.

“I managed to hit many good tee shots today. My second shots were not very good as they went all over the fairways but I was able to hole my putts,” he said.

“My driving was the key to my good play today as we’ve got to play it really accurate off the tee in this golf course.”