Shanghai: Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee continued his resurgence at the US$8.5million WGC-HSBC Champions by carding a third round four-under-par 68 to take a share of 28th place at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Saturday.
Thongchai, who holds an unprecedented three Order of Merit titles on the region’s premier Tour, was staring at the possibility of a poor finish after he struggled with an opening 76.
However, two matching 68s brought back renewed hope and vigour for the Thai as he continued his comeback trail at the star-studded Shanghai showpiece which features 40 of the world’s top 50 players.
“I drove the ball very well today. I managed to hit a lot of fairways, except on the ninth. I was trying to go for the greens but it went into the bunker and I made a bogey there,” said Thongchai, who marked his card with six birdies and two bogeys for a three-day total of four-under-par 212.
“Then on the 13th, I three-putted and made another bogey there. But other than that it was a good round,” added Thongchai.
With 14 shots separating him and third round American leader Dustin Johnson, the 13-time Asian Tour winner is realistic about his chances at the year’s final World Golf Championship.
“I’ve to play catch-up tomorrow but the gap is very wide. Hopefully I can continue to take my chances and it’ll be a better day tomorrow,” said Thongchai.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat, meanwhile put in a better performance with a 68 after squandering all hopes of a grandstand finish with a second round 78.
“I just couldn’t drive the ball at all yesterday. I was really struggling but I’m glad I managed to pick myself up and do better today,” said the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, who took a share of 44th place.
Despite opening with an encouraging 69, Kiradech conceded he might have left it a little too late to catch the leaders but is determined to finish high on the leaderboard.
“It’s very difficult to catch the leaders now and I’m just going to enjoy the experience and do my best on the final day,” said Kiradech.
Bangkok-based Korean Baek Seuk-hyun added a 69 to previous rounds of 81 and 68 to take tied-63rd place.
