Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Australian Jack Munro put himself in prime position for his maiden Asian Development Tour (ADT) win after he carded a third round three-under-par 69 to lead the PGM Johor Championship on Friday.

Munro totaled 10-under-par 206 to stay one shot ahead of Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who returned with a 70 to take second place at the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) ADT event.

Malaysia’s Mohd Iylia, who held the lead for the first two rounds, signed for a disappointing 74 and slipped to third place while current Order of Merit leader Chan Shih-chang and Mathiam Keyser of South Africa shared fourth place on matching 209s after rounds of 67 and 69 respectively at the Johor Golf and Country Club.

Munro, who just turned professional in June last year, is thrilled to be atop the leaderboard for the first time as he heads into the final round of the PGM Johor Championship.

“I’m feeling very excited. It’s great to be in a good position heading into the final round. I putted really well today but I didn’t hit as well,” said Munro, who suffered a double-bogey on the third hole but recovered swiftly with a birdie on the fourth hole before making another birdie on nine.

“I will try to keep calm and play my best tomorrow. It’s my first time playing on this course and I’m glad to be doing well so far. Hopefully I can played better tomorrow,” added the 26-year-old Australian, who secured his playing rights on the Asian Tour through the Qualifying School earlier this year.

One-time ADT winner Pavit hopes to keep up his good form as he continued to keep himself in the running for his second ADT victory.

“I got off to a good start as I birdied the first two holes. I am happy with how I played. The pins were quite tricky. I just have to continue to do what I have been doing for tomorrow. Hopefully I can play better and claim my second win this week,” said the talented Thai.

Iylia, who held the lead for the first two rounds, remained hopeful of a maiden ADT win despite slipping off the lead.

“My putting was not good today. I came back to finish my second round this morning and I played 25 holes in total today. It was really tiring. I will try and get a good rest tonight so I can play better tomorrow,” said the Malaysian.

Working in close partnership with the PGM Tour, a total of 12 events will feature on this season’s ADT Schedule, giving Malaysian players a big incentive in chasing for a place on the region’s main Tour.

This season, the ADT will reward the top five players on the final Order of Merit with playing rights for the 2015 Asian Tour season.

The winner of the PGM Johor Championship will take home US$10,720 and receive six Official World Golf Ranking points.

The ADT, which was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012 and a record 16 in the 2013 season, has established itself as a gateway to the Asian Tour.

For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com.

Leading third round scores

206 – Jack MUNRO (AUS) 70-67-69
207 – Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 69-68-70
208 – Mohd Iylia JAMIL (MAS) 67-67-74
209 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 69-73-67, Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 71-69-69
211 – Peter RICHARDSON (ENG) 70-73-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 71-70-70, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 71-68-72, Danny CHIA (MAS) 67-72-72, Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN) 68-71-72.