Thai veteran golfer Thongchai Jaidee moved into contention for a first victory on European soil by taking a narrow lead after the third round of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor on Saturday.
Jaidee, a three-time Asian number one, started and finished with birdies to complete a solid four-under-par 67, which gave him a one-shot lead over England’s Ross Fisher and Dutchman Joos Luiten.
Jaidee, ranked 199th in the world to Fisher’s 157th, birdied the par-five last after an incredible drive measured at 410 yards.
“I think 320 is the longest for me, so when we got to the top of the hill I asked, ‘Where’s the ball?’ and a marshall told me,” he said.
“I thought it was 390, but 410 sounds better.”
The 42-year-old Jaidee has won four European Tour events in total, but all of those events were played in Asia.
“I’ve won a lot of times in Asia and I’ve played well a lot of times in Asia,” added Jaidee.
“In Europe, it’s very important for me to do well because the weather is going to be very difficult for me. I’ve learned a lot of things — how to play with these conditions.
“I think this time it’s a very good chance. You never know how it’s going to be tomorrow (Sunday), but I’ll try to give it my best and look forward.”
Fisher had reignited his dream of playing in the Ryder Cup by taking the lead at the halfway stage on Friday with a five-under-par 66.
But the accident-prone Englishman had to overcome another incident — stubbing his toe in his hotel room on Friday night — to keep himself in contention with a level-par 70 that was marked by five birdies but also five bogeys.
“There were a few expletives and it was extremely painful,” said Fisher. “I couldn’t put any weight on it and half-contemplated playing in trainers.
“One of the toes is as purple as anything. I iced it and two of the toes were strapped together, but I hit it everywhere and I’m glad to finish.”