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MACAU - Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant stayed on course for his 11th Asian Tour title after emerging as the third round clubhouse leader after play at the Macau Open was suspended Saturday due to darkness.
The 10-time Asian Tour winner charged up the leaderboard on 10-under-par through 14 holes to take a three-shot lead over second placed Lin Wen-hong of Taiwan at the weather-disrupted 500,000-dollar full field Asian Tour event.
Lin is on seven-under-par after 14 holes while Frenchman Jean Van De Velde is a further shot back. South Africa's Keith Horne posted a 70 to complete his round in fourth position on 208 when play was suspended at 6:30pm.
A lightning storm in the early morning forced two hour-long suspensions, which means 15 players will return to complete their rounds at 7:00am on Sunday.
Chinese hopeful Wu Ashun also remained in the title hunt after lying on four-under-par through 16 holes. Singapore's Lam Chih Bing returned with a one-under-par 70 to stay in touch of the leaders in tied-sixth place on a four-under-par total of 209.
Thaworn continued his rich vein of form from last week's tied 11th finish at the Omega European Masters to fire four birdies against two bogeys to edge him closer to his 11th title on the Asian Tour.
Lin, brother of four-time Asian Tour winner Lin Wen-tang, remained optimistic of securing his maiden title after posting three birdies against two bogeys to stay within sights of his career breakthrough on the Tour.
"Playing in the rain and wind again today and getting an even-par score is something which I'm happy. I'm looking forward to finishing off my round strongly tomorrow," said Lin.
Meanwhile Van De Velde started with an early birdie on the second hole before committing a costly triple bogey on the par-four five. He recovered with a birdie on the seventh before reaching the turn in 36.
"There was a big mistake from me on the fifth hole as we arrived at the hole and it was raining very heavily. But it was still a good solid round and I putted very well so that kept me going.
"I have three more holes to go tomorrow morning and if the leader doesn't go lower, I think I have a shot at the title," said the Frenchman.
Lam rushed through the third round in near darkness, carding two birdies against one bogey to remain in contention for his second win on the Asian Tour.
"Since I finished my round, it gives me more time to rest and that will be a slight advantage for me. I just have to hole more putts and concentrate on my game and do my best to give myself a chance," said Lam.
- AFP/ir
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