Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Danny Chia put himself in prime position for a career first top-10 at the US$3 million Maybank Malaysian Open following a third round of three-under-par 69 which pushed him into tied 13th place on Saturday.
The 42-year-old Chia posted six birdies against three dropped shots on a scorching day at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, bouncing back from a disappointing 74 on Friday which dropped him out of contention after he had opened with a 67.
A tip from his coach put the experienced Malaysian back on track as he stayed in the hunt for a nice payday in what is the season-opening event of the Asian Tour’s 2015 season.
“I started to putt better after getting some advice from my coach. I think that was the difference. He told me to be more committed to the line that I picked. On the second day I didn’t have the confidence with my lines and I didn’t make good strokes,” said Chia.
“I made two silly mistakes. One was probably on the 16th hole where I was in between clubs and I hit it too soft and pushed it right into the rough. On 12, I made a bad choice of club and hit it over the green.
“I wish it could be better. Every day I’m just going out there and trying to shoot under-par. Hopefully I can get better day by day.”
Chia’s best finish at the Maybank Malaysian Open, which is jointly sanctioned with the European Tour, was a tied 11th outing in the 2009 edition at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
He knows that one more good round could see him add a feather to his cap. “A good round and that goal will be possible,” said Malaysia’s first winner on the Asian Tour.
Sukree Othman shot a 70 for joint 38th place while amateur Gavin Green settled for a 73 to slip back to equal 47th position. Nicholas Fung struggled to a 76 which left him in joint 58th place. R. Nachimuthu shot a 75 to be placed 70th with one round to play.
