DOHA, 14 March 2004 — Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin fired a flawless seven-birdie 65 for a share of the lead with Japan’s Nobuhito Sato after the Qatar Masters third round yesterday.
Sato, one of five joint leaders at the start of the day, returned a 67 as the pair finished on 11-under-par 205 at Doha Golf Club.
Britain’s Jonathan Lomas was a further stroke back in third after a 66 while Germany’s Marcel Siem, whose 64 was the lowest score of the day, was among a group of seven tied for fourth at nine-under 207.
Jacquelin, who had opened with scores of 73 and 67, produced excellent form on the greens for the second day in a row.
“I played really well and my putting was as good as yesterday,” said the smooth-swinging Frenchman.
Pony-tailed Siem, winner of the Dunhill Championship in South Africa two months ago, birdied six of the last seven holes to hold the clubhouse lead after making the most of balmy morning conditions.
“I didn’t have too many chances on the front nine and saved all my birdies for after the turn,” said Siem, who has lifted his form since a first-round 75. “I was lucky to make the cut and struggled on the first day. Having come so far, I will go out and give my best. I now know I can win tournaments.”
Five players, including former US Masters champion Ian Woosnam, had been tied for the lead overnight but, Sato apart, they all fell back. Frenchman Gregory Havret carded a 71 to slip into a tie for 12th at seven under, Welshman Woosnam returned a 72, Britain’s Andrew Oldcorn a 73 and Ireland’s Gary Murphy a 74.
