Kiradech soars on eagle's wings

Last updated: 7th February 2010

Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat carded an eagle on the last to climb into a two-shot lead at the end of the third round of the Asian Tour International on Saturday.

The 20-year-old split the fairway from the tee on the par-five 18th before laying his approach shot to 10 feet and then sinking the eagle putt for a three-under 69, moving ahead of South Korea's Hwang Inn-choon, who shot the day's best score of 67.

Singapore's Lam Chih Bing signed for a 71 to take a share of third place at the Suwan Golf and Country Club alongside American rookie David Johnson, who shot a 69.

Kiradech, who picked up four birdies and as many bogeys, is searching for his first win on the Asian Tour and is determined to make up for the disappointment of finishing second at last year's Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in Malaysia, where he also led by two going into the final round.

"I'm very happy," said Kiradech. "I played great golf on the back nine. On the front nine, I was struggling with my putts but it came in on the back nine.

"I'll try to be better than Malaysia. I couldn't make any putts then but my routine is now different. My coach has been working with me on my putts. That experience will help me and I think it'll be good tomorrow.

"It'll be a proud moment for me if I can win at home as my parents are here. I'll be trying hard."