Prom shares the lead with Kruger at King's Cup
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Thailand's Prom Meesawat remained resolute of winning his first Asian Tour title in four years despite taking a share of the third round lead with South African Jbe Kruger at the King's Cup on Saturday.
Prom, nicknamed the "Big Dolphin", fired a two-under-par 70 while Kruger battled to a 69 to tie for the lead on a three-day total of 11-under-par 205 at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
An in-form Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand holed two superb eagles en route to a 66 for a 206 total to share third place with Australian Tony Carolan (71), who struggled with a bout of flu at the US$300,000 event presented by Singha and the Sports Authority of Thailand.
Thai legend Thaworn Wiratchant fired a 69 to lie in fifth position on a 209 total, four off the leaders while Korean Mo Joong-kyung with Thai trio Panuphol Pittayarat, Kwanchai Tannin and Udorn Duangdecha are a stroke back.
The big-hitting Prom birdied three of his opening four holes before turning in 34. He was disappointed not to convert his birdie chances in his back nine as he closed with one birdie and one bogey.
"I had a lot of birdie chances but it didn't go in. I was putting better than yesterday and to shoot under-par and still be in contention is good enough for me," said Prom, whose sole Asian Tour victory was in 2006.
Prom, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury in the past two years, will be on attack mode as he is determined to win the King's honour.
"Winning the King's Cup is not for your individual gain but for the King and people of Thailand. He is such a good King and many Thais are hoping that the title stays in the country," said Prom.
The diminutive Kruger bounced back from a double bogey on the eighth hole with birdies on holes eight, nine, 12, 16 and 18 to put himself in contention on the Asian Tour for the third time this season. He finished second at the Handa Singapore Classic and Brunei Open, where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh.
"I'm getting used to playing under a lot of pressure and being in contention. I've been in this position on numerous occasions and I've learnt that you must not think ahead but play one shot at a time. I'm going to treat it like a brand new day tomorrow," said Kruger, who has won twice in South Africa.
Pariya chipped in for eagle on the third hole from 120 yards before saving par on the eighth hole with a 68 yard chip in. His impressive streak continued when he sank a massive 60 feet putt for eagle on the 15th hole.
He has been in immaculate form this season with three top-10s and remained in a strong position of securing a second Asian Tour victory.
"What more can I say? I was a very lucky boy. Nothing went my way yesterday and it was the opposite today. It means a lot to win the King's Cup and hopefully it will be me or Prom who win it," said Pariya, who won his maiden Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last month.
Carolan, who is searching for his maiden Asian Tour victory, struggled with a bout of flu but was delighted to stay in touch with the leaders.
"I was struggling to get through my round because my energy level was down. I'm going to take some medicine and rest a lot. I'm not even going to practise. Hopefully I'll get better tomorrow," said the Australian, 48th on the Order of Merit.
