Filipino teen grabs third round lead in Taiwan

TAIPEI: Filipino teen Miguel Tabuena (pix) took the third round lead with a seven-under-par 65 at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) in Taipei on Saturday.
Tabuena, 19, tied for the low round thanks to two closing birdies to hold a one-shot lead with a 10-under-par 206 total at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
"I hit good quality shots on the front nine but didn't make anything," said Tabuena in comments released by the organisers.
"I went into the back and told myself to do what I've been doing and the putts started to fall. I believe in myself so hopefully I will win my maiden title this week."
Tabuena shot three straight birdies from the 10th hole and added three more birdies to complete a back nine performance.
Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant, who rushed to see a doctor suffering irregular heartbeats and trembling hands on Friday, posted 68 to tie in second place with India's Anirban Lahiri.
The 47-year-old defending champion and two-time Asian Tour winner mixed his card with two bogeys against six birdies, including a 25 feet birdie putt on the 12th hole.
"It was a mixed round to be honest. I'm happy with where I am now. It is a very tight leaderboard so anything can happen especially on this golf course. I've won twice here but I won't take anything for granted," said Thaworn.
Taiwan's Yeh Wei-tze, a one-time Asian Tour winner, opened with five straight birdies before posting a 65 to share fourth place with Thailand's Prom Meesawat and two-time PGA Tour winner Daniel Chopra of Sweden on a 208 total.
Overnight co-leaders Filipino Antonio Lascuna and Cameron Smith of Australia's slipped down following a disappointing 72 and 73, respectively.

Leading scores after round three (par 72):
206 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 73-68-65
207 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 70-69-68, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 73-66-68
208 - Yeh Wei-tze (TWN) 72-71-65, Prom Meesawat (THA) 67-73-68, Daniel Chopra (SWE) 71-68-69
209 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 68-69-72
210 - Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 72-71-67, Ryan Yip (CAN) 71-69-70, Cameron Smith (AUS) 70-67-73
– AFP