Patrick Reed ready to pounce as Indians Anirban Lahiri and Jeev Milkha Singh make their move
Matthew Fitzpatrick and Yang Yong-eun are among the golfers sitting behind the leaders
American Patrick Reed returned to form to stake his claim for honours as India’s old and new guard moved into contention alongside Asia’s only major winner Yang Yong-eun.
Also making a charge were England sensation Matthew Fitzpatrick, Perth-based Jason Scrivener and veteran Thai Thongchai Jaidee.
Reed shot a five-under-par 65 for a three-round total of 202, seven behind joint leaders Justin Rose and Lucas Bjerrergaard. Anirban Lahiri, runner-up in Macau last week and the Asian Tour’s runaway money leader, moved into third place at 11 under with his 65 while his Indian compatriot and tour stalwart Jeev Milkha Singh is at 10-under after also shooting 65.
Any time you go out and shoot a mid 60s round, it’s always a positive note. I kept the mental mistakes to a minimum
Fitzpatrick is tied with Singh for fourth after his 66, as he bogeyed the final hole after an impressive round featuring five birdies.
Former PGA Championship winner Yang is at nine under after a 67, tied for sixth with Scrivener, who shot 65, and England’s Matt Ford (67). Thongchai’s six-under 64 puts him at eight under and tied for ninth with Reed, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Australian Nathan Holman.
Reed was upbeat despite being seven behind and still ruing a poor club decision in Thursday’s first round when he used a three-wood off the tee at the par-four fourth hole, ending up with bogey.