Martin Dive of Australia carded a third round four-under-par 68 to keep up his chase for a first Asian Development Tour (ADT) win at the PGM CCM Seriemas Championship on Friday.
The 31-year-old Dive posted four birdies for a 12-under-par 204 total as he leads by one-shot over Brett Munson (67) of the United States at the RM220,000 (approximately US$49,000) ADT event.
Panuwat Muenlek of Thailand was a further three shots back in third place following a 68 while countryman Nitithorn Thippong returned with a 72 for a 209 total at the Seriemas Golf and Country Club.
Dive was delighted to find his momentum again after shooting level-par in the second round following an opening 64. He was bogey-free today as he stayed on track to recover from missing out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Thailand last week.
“I played nicely after a tough day yesterday so I’m much happier with how I played. I got off to a better start which was great and never really got into much trouble. I gave myself good opportunities and made a few putts,” said Dive.
“It is always tough to back up a good score,” he said. “I was never comfortable yesterday (day two) because it was really hot and I struggled with my ball striking. I really improved again today.”
“It is the first ADT event of the year and I’m in a good position to win it so I’m really looking forward to the final 18 holes and excited about the challenge,” added Dive.
Solomon Emilio Rosidin was the best placed Malaysian after 54 holes following a 70. He sits in tied fifth place alongside Asian Tour winner Steve Lewton of England on a 210 total.
Leading third round scores
204 – Martin DIVE (AUS) 64 72 68
205 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 71 67 67
208 – Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 67 73 68
209 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 70 67 72
210 – Scott SECORD (CAN) 70 71 69, Peter LANSBURGH (USA) 71 69 70, Solomon Emilio ROSIDIN (MAS) 68 72 70, John CATLIN (USA) 70 70 70, Dino A. GIACOMAZZI (USA) 67 73 70, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 67 72 71
211 – Oskar ARVIDSSON (SWE) 70 72 69, Arie Irawan (MAS) 71 69 71
212 – Brian JUNG (CAN) 69 72 71, Janne KASKE (FIN) 71 69 72, Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 71 71 70
213 – Mohammad WAFIYUDDIN (MAS) 72 68 73, Blake SNYDER (USA) 73 73 67, Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 70 73 70, Nattawat SUVANAJANAKORN (THA) 72 71 70
214 – KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 75 69 70, Joshua MANSKE (USA) 70 73 71, Chanat SAKULPOLPHAISAN (THA) 71 72 71
215 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 76 70 69
