NEW DELHI: South African Thomas Aiken carded a blemish-free round of 10-under-par 62 to grab a commanding three-stroke lead after the third round of the Avantha Masters yesterday.

The 29-year-old from Johannesburg, trailing by four at the halfway stage, hit eight birdies and an eagle to be 18-under 198 and move ahead of 36-hole joint-leader Liang Wenchong of China, who shot a 69 for outright second.

Thailand’s big-hitting Kiradech Aphibarnrat (66) and Scotland’s David Drysdale (68) were tied third, a further shot behind on 14-under.

Aiken started with a birdie on the first and a eagle on the second and never looked back from there.

“I concentrated very hard to play one shot at a time and it seemed to work,” Aiken told the European Tour website (www.europeantour.com).

“I got off to a great start... holing a pitch shot on the second for eagle always helps.. and from then on I just stuck to my game plan. All in all I’m very pleased with the way I played.”

Some scintillating iron play ensured that the South African, who briefly shared the lead with Kiradech, could set up more birdie opportunities.

“I’ve been playing very well the last four months and just haven’t converted opportunities,” said the world number 129, chasing a second European Tour win after his maiden victory in 2011.

“Fortunately this week I’ve converted a lot of the opportunities that I’ve had. The majority of them have gone in from inside ten feet and that’s what makes the difference from a scoring point of view.”

Former Asia number one Liang’s round was spoiled by two bogeys when he missed a couple of short putts but he did not lose hope.

“The key is to stay patient,” Liang said. “I’m just three shots back and I’m confident that the gap can be closed.

“Anything can happen in golf and I only need to believe that I can do it. Hopefully luck will play a part as well.”

Brazilian Lee sets pace

at Thailand Open

In Bangkok, Brazilian Lucas Lee made an eight-foot birdie putt on the last hole on Saturday to snatch a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the $1 million Thailand Open at Thana City Golf & Sports Club near Bangkok.

Lee’s rounds of 65, 67 and 65 leave him 19 under for the OneAsia tournament, ahead of defending champion Chris Wood from England and China’s Hu Mu.

Scotland’s Simon Yates, who is based in Thailand, celebrated his 43rd birthday with a 64, sharing fourth place at 17 under with overnight leader Scott Strange of Australia who carded a 68.

Lee, 25, who is still seeking his breakthrough victory on a major circuit, refused to be intimidated despite playing with Wood (65) and three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington — who slipped out of contention with a 75.

“After the first hole you try to forget who they are and try to beat them like any other of the guys, but they do hit the ball very well,” said Lee.

“It was a good learning experience. Tomorrow I’m just going to try and be as positive as possible, while also keeping it simple.”

Wood, who made his breakthrough professional victory at this tournament last year and followed it up with a win at the European Tour’s Qatar Masters in January, said he was delighted so far with his defense of the title.

“I’m really pleased with my efforts so far. I came here to put in a good defense,” he said.

“It will take something in the mid 60s to win.”

Hu, another OneAsia regular with victory under his belt from China’s domestic tour, credited an improved tournament strategy for his performance.

“What I have been doing recently is try to make a game plan for the entire week and then stick to it,” he said.

The round of the day belonged to Japan’s Katsumasa Miyamoto, who equalled the course record with a 63 after making the turn in 29.