Wiesberger shoots career low

European Tour

Bernd Wiesberger carded a career best of nine-under-par 63 to move two shots clear after a thrilling day of low scoring in the third round of the Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday.

Wiesberger, who has won twice in Asia previously, started the third round three back of co-leaders Alejandro Canizares and Lee Westwood but shot to the front soon enough with a magnificent display of golf.

“I caught up with the leaders early which was good and finished off well. I felt very comfortable out there and I didn’t even let the bogey (on eight) bother me,” the 29-year-old Austrian said.

“Everyone was making birdies early on and it was nice to be amongst that. I’ve shot 64 a few times on Tour but this is the lowest.

“I won’t be fooled by this position tomorrow. There are a lot of good scores out there, as we saw today, so I’ll be trying to make some birdies again and play as well as I did today.”

The Austrian has been in brilliant form in the past month, recording three consecutive top-six finishes, and he came flying out of the blocks by birdieing the first five holes on the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s West course.

Three closing birdies capped a wonderful day and left Wiesberger on 17-under, with Canizares on 15-under after he signed for 68.

Canizares eagled the 16th hole with a wedge from 110 yards and birdied 17 to tie with Wiesberger going into the last hole.

However, the Spaniard dropped a bogey on 18 and Wiesberger took full advantage with a 12-foot birdie to give himself a bit of a cushion with one round to play.

“I made more mistakes than the previous days. Overall I’m pleased with the way I played,” said Canizares, who holds two European Tour victories.

“It’s always good to play with someone who is playing well as he’s pulling you to make birdies as well. It was fun to watch, Bernd played great. He kept me going and kept me pushing.”

England’s Paul Waring had two eagles in his round of 65 and holds third place, alongside compatriot and overnight leader Westwood; who birdied the last two holes for a 69.

Westwood is hoping to join Terry Gale as the only player to win three Maybank Malaysian Open title but fell three back after battling to a 69 which included two closing birdies.

“I didn’t play particularly well, so I was pleased to shoot 69, which keeps me in the hunt. I couldn’t feel my hip action today, especially early on,” he said.

“But I only made one bogey, and I made some crucial birdies on 17 and 18. If I didn’t make them I’m looking at probably being five shots back, so it was nice to finish with a bit of momentum.”

India’s Anirban Lahiri posted the round of the week, surging to fifth place with a stunning 62.

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