Hend powers into Thailand lead

European Tour

Scott Hend will take a one shot lead into the final round of the True Thailand Classic after carding a six-under 66 in the third round.

Hend carded a 67 and 68 respectively in the first and second rounds, and his score on Saturday leaves him on 15-under.

The Australian’s brilliant display of powerful and precise driving from the tee helped him to card five birdies and an eagle, before a bogey on the final hole cost him an error-free round.

“It was a good round and puts me in a good position. I played very solidly and putted quite well. I only made one mistake so it was pretty good,” Hend told the Asian Tour website.

“This is where you want to be, in the last group on a Sunday. I’ll be playing with Thongchai again and Miguel so it’ll be a good little test tomorrow.

“I’m very lucky and privileged to be playing golf for a living and being in contention on Sundays is what we’re all trying to do.”

Second round leader Miguel Angel Jimenez dropped to down to share second place with Jaidee Thongjai on 12-under. Jimenez carded a bogey-free 69, with birdies on the second, tenth and 17th
holes.

Thongjai, who was tied for second with Hend on nine-under at the start of the third round, carded a 67 to stay in contention.

Jimenez denied that he was frustrated by missing a few birdies on Saturday.

“I only had three birdies but it was a bogey-free round. The last hole was close to being a birdie, but just missed,” he said.

“I’m playing well and hitting it well. I missed a few putts (but) I’m creating lots of chances.

“This is a beautiful place and it’s beautiful weather – it’s a good scenario. It’s not frustrating. It could have been five or six under today but that’s the game and you have to take it.”

Kiradech Aphibarnrat trailed Jimenez by single shot at the halfway mark, but dropped to fourth on 12-under after shooting a two-under 70.

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