Fraser snatches lead from Fleetwood

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Marcus Fraser moved enjoy a one stroke lead heading into the final round of the Thailand Golf Championship after firing two-under-par on Saturday.

India’s Anirban Lahiri is placed second at 4-under-par and kept his hopes of winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown and the Thailand Golf Championship alive by staying in the mix with a 68 at the Amata Spring Country Club.

Former world number ones Martin Kaymer of Germany and England’s Lee Westwood share third place with overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood of England.

Fraser, who is making his comeback from a wrist injury, was under no illusions about his slim lead ans knows that he would have to stay on top of his game in the final round.

“It’s only a one-shot lead at the moment, which is almost irrelevant with the calibre of players that are on the leaderboard. So it’s just nice to be up there with them,” said the Australian.

The 36-year-old said that he would will be adopting a conservative approach on the final day as he believes the course conditions do not favour aggressive play.

“I just can’t do that out there (on taking risk). There are a couple of pins tucked away and ”ve got to keep ball in play and give myself chances on the greens.

“Luckily I’m a fairly decent putter and hopefully I can give myself some chances as the greens are in such good conditions that you can hole some 20 or 30 footers,” said Fraser.

Lahiri, who finished tied fourth at the Thailand Golf Championship last year, is confident he will better his result after growing in confidence and maturity over the last 12 months which has seen him win two Asian Tour titles, increasing his tally to five wins on the region’s premier Tour.

“It was a learning experience for me last year (playing in the last group). I didn’t come close to playing my best golf but 12 months have passed since that round and I’ve done a lot of good things and played much better golf.

“I think I’ve grown in those 12 months. Come tomorrow, it will be an improved Anirban,” said the Indian.

Starting the day four shots back of Fleetwood, Lahiri made his swift ascent up the leaderboard by mixing five birdies against one bogey to turn in 32.

The 27-year-old then surged further ahead with birdies on 11 and 13 but had his good work undone with two late bogeys on 16 and 18, which came as a result from poor tee shots.

“I started out pretty good on the front nine. I made a lot of birdies and chipped and putted good. I’m just a little disappointed to throw it away because I didn’t finish well. I’m happy to put myself in position,” said Lahiri.

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