Anriban Lahiri moves into contention at Malaysian Open

Lahiri is in contention for the Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 7 (IANS): Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri charged into contention at the $3 million Maybank Malaysian Open, shooting a stunning 10-under-par 62 Saturday to trail third round leader Bernd Wiesberger of Austria by five shots.

Lahiri, who finished second on the 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit, fired 10 birdies which included a classy outward 30 to establish the low round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club's West Course since it reopened from a major refurbishment in 2008.

Wiesberger, who has finished top-six in his last three events in the Middle East, extended his fine form with an equally impressive 63 where he began his round with five opening birdies to lead by two from Alejandro Canizares of Spain, who shot a 68 which included an eagle two.

Co-overnight leader Lee Westwood, bidding to win the Malaysian Open for a third time, and Paul Waring will enter the final round three shots back at the prestigious championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Left-hander Paul Peterson of the US, who finished 22nd on the Order of Merit last year, posted a brilliant 64 to move to sixth position in his first appearance in the Malaysian Open.

The 27-year-old Lahiri, nine shots off the pace at the start of the day, came out swinging freely on a steamy day in the Malaysian capital to put himself in contention to win his sixth Asian Tour title, but first co-sanctioned win.

"Last couple of days, I was trying too hard to make birdies, trying to make a move. I just let go today. When I saw a line, I just hit it on the line and took it on merit whether it went in or missed," said Lahiri, whose career's low round was a 61 in Macau last year.

"This changes the situation in terms of where I stand. But in terms of what I need to do, it'll be the same thing. I think the hall mark was that I stayed bogey free because the first two days I made 11 birdies and dropped nine shots," he explained.

Lahiri enjoyed a great 2014 campaign, winning twice and helping Team Asia secure a 10-10 tie with Team Europe in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in Malaysia.

"I'm playing well and that's really important as I feel positive. I feel I can go out there and shoot a good number tomorrow. You don't know what will happen. I'll try to stay relaxed and positive and do the simple things right," said Lahiri.