Hua Hin (Thailand), Dec 3 (IANS) Peradol Panyathanasedh of Thailand clinched a birdie putt on the last hole to grab a three-shot lead in the third round of the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation here on Saturday.
The 27-year-old, searching for a first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title, sank a 45-feet putt on the 18th hole to end the day on three-under-par 69 at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
His compatriot Kasidit Lepkurte also shot a 69 to be at the second place while Chapchai Nirat (67), Pannakorn Uthaipas (70) and Udorn Duangdecha (72) are a further shot back at the four million Baht (approximately $115,770) event.
Malaysia's Gavin Green, ranked second on the ADT Order of Merit, produced a 70 to sit in tied 13th place. He needs at least a fourth place finish this week to become the new merit leader.
Defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand slipped down the leaderboard following a 73. He trails Peradol by six shots heading into the final 18 holes.
After changing his name from Varut Chomchalam over a year ago, Peradol has enjoyed better results as he leads the field with a total score of nine-under-par 207.
"My dad got sick (brain cancer) and we went to the temple for advice. The monk told us that our whole family must change our name for better luck and we did it. It is normal for Thai people to change their names," Peradol, who traded six birdies against three bogeys, said.
A two-time winner on the local Thai circuit, Peradol hopes to secure his career's biggest victory in front of his idol and tournament host Thongchai Jaidee.
--IANS
ajb/bg
