India’s Bhullar stays ahead in Macau

HONG KONG: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar kept in front of the field led by Thai youngster Thitiphun Chuayprakong at the Venetian Macau Open yesterday with a two-under-par 69 in the third round.
The 24-year-old Bhullar retained his two-shot lead at the Macau Golf and Country Club despite two missed putts from close range on the last two holes.
Thitipun, 20, also shot a 69 to stay in the running at the $750,000 Asian Tour event, while Filipino Angelo Que, Scott Hend of Australia and American Berry Henson entered the final round four shots back.
Three-time Asian Tour No. 1 Thongchai Jaidee’s run fizzled following a lackluster 73, while Bangladesh’s Siddikur likewise failed to challenge Bhullar with a 72.
Bhullar, aiming for a second victory within the space of a month, noted his challengers would not go down easy.
“I’ve won a few times wire-to-wire in India. The goal now is to do it on the bigger stage and on a bigger level,” said Bhullar.
“I’ve been in this situation a few times. I know it’s a difficult thing. I’m going to try to do the same things as I did in India and keep it simple. Just repeat what I’ve been doing the past three days and play percentage golf.”
Bhullar’s lead could have increased even more if not for the missed the short putts, in all snaring five birdies against three bogeys in his efforts toward a fourth career victory on the Asian Tour.
“That’s not the finish I was thinking of. I’m feeling positive and I’m feeling good. I’ve really improved my driving and it was long and straight today. I’m looking forward to playing well on Sunday,” he said.
Liang extends lead at Nanshan China Masters
In Beijing, Chinese hope Liang Wenchong crept further into the lead with a three-under-par 68 in the third round of the Nanshan China Masters yesterday, seeing off charges by Y.E. Yang and Aaron Townsend.
The home favorite was at 10 under par after rounds of 68, 67 and 68 at the OneAsia $1 million event, two strokes in front of Australian Townsend.
Korea’s Yang was four shots off after he birdied the last to get into the final group.
Liang, who led by one overnight, said he would would focus on his own game, but appeared reminded of Yang’s 2009 feat at the PGA Championship where he came back from a two-shot final-round deficit against Tiger Woods to win by three, becoming become Asia’s first Major winner.
“The tournament is not finished yet and no-one knows what will happen, but when I play it is only me,” Liang said.
Players have found scoring tough at the demanding Nanshan International Golf Club with its 6,539-meter (7,151-yard) course, but Yang remained determined to fight on.
“It’s a little disappointing that I couldn’t cut into the lead, but I’ve still got one day,” he said. “Nothing is impossible. I’ll try my hardest as it’s definitely worth a shot. I’m not going to say it can’t be done.”
Between him and Liang he still needs to get past Townsend.
“I’m looking forward to the round tomorrow and playing with Liang again,” the Australian said.
“He played really good, and I’m really impressed. So to play with him and Yang tomorrow will be great.”
Leading scores:
203 — Liang Wenchong (CHN) 68-67-68
205 — Aaron Townsend (AUS) 69-67-69
207 — Y. E. Yang (KOR) 71-68-68
210 — Garrett Sapp (USA) 73-70-67, David McKendrick (AUS) 70-70-70, Wang Jeung-hun (KOR) 69-71-70.
211 — Mitchell Brown (AUS) 73-71-67, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 71-71-69, Scott Laycock (AUS) 70-71-70, Jamie Arnold (AUS) 69-70-72