Thaindian News

Taipei, Oct 2 (IANS) The three Indians remaining in the competition made the cut even as Siddikur of Bangladesh put himself in prime position of securing a second Asian Tour victory by taking the third round lead of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters Saturday.

Digvijay Singh, the lone Indian to shoot a sub-par round in third round, was the leading Indian with a third round card of 70 to be five-over 221 in tied 16th. Rahil Gangjee, who shot a 78 in third round was tied 28th at eight-over at 228. Himmat Rai, despite shooting 84 was the last player to squeeze in as the last player inside the cut line.

Barely a month since becoming the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour, Siddikur registered a superb five-under-par 67 to open up a one stroke lead with a three-day total of five-under-par 211 at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

Thailand’s Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who is one of the most consistent players on the Asian Tour this season, stayed in touch with the leader with a 70 for a 212 total at the $500,000 Asian Tour event.

South Africa’s Peter Karmis, who won his maiden Asian Tour title at the Handa Singapore Classic last month, posted a 71, two off the pace while Chinese Taipei’s Chan Yih-shin and Lu Wei-chih, a former Mercuries Taiwan Masters Champion lie in tied fourth place on a 216 total.

Asian legend Hsieh Min-nan of Chinese Taipei, who emerged as the oldest golfer on the Asian Tour at the age of 70 years and 53 days old to make the halfway cut, posted a solid 75 for a 226 total.

Siddikur made the turn in 32 and carded his only blemish of the round on hole 10 but recovered with birdies on holes 13 and 15.

The man from Dhaka has been making waves since becoming the first Bangladeshi to earn his Asian Tour card at the 2009 Qualifying School and he admitted that a second victory in the region’s elite circuit is within reach.