Fernando wrests lead with 71 in Sabah Masters

MANILA, Philippines - Anthony Fernando moved in the threshold of a maiden pro victory as he took charge in the Sabah Masters with a gutsy 71, snatching a one-stroke lead over Malaysians Siva Chandran and Nicholas Fung in the third round of the $60,000 event in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia yesterday.

Fernando, the former national champion, made clutch par putts in the last three holes to save a round of 35-36 as the field struggled in tough playing condition at the par-70 Sutera Harbour Golf Club.

Counting his earlier 68 and 70, Fernando pooled a 209, posting a one-shot lead over pair of local rivals and moving 18 holes away from annexing his first victory in a two-year pro career.

Chandran lost the momentum of a solid start of 35 as he fumbled with three bogeys at the back for a 72 and 210, the same output assembled by Fung, who bogeyed the last two holes for a 72.

Two-day leader Jay Bayron, who stunned the field with an opening 65 before hanging tough with a 71 Friday, groped for form all day and made five bogeys in a birdie-less 75, dropping him to solo fourth at 211.

Thais Tanatchan Puaktes and Wisut Artjanawat carded a 71 and 72, respectively, and tied at 212 while Rory Hie of Singapore stood at 213 after a third straight 71.

Former Philippine Open champion Gerald Rosales turned in the day’s best of three-under 67 as he improved to 215 in a tie with compatriot Marlon Dizon, who had a second straight 73.

Two shots behind Bayron at the start of the round, Fernando birdied No. 5 to wrest control with Siva as Bayron made back-to-back bogeys from No. 3. But after a 35 at the front, Fernando fumbled with bogeys on Nos. 11 and 15 and needed to sink a couple of eight footers for pars in two of the last three holes to salvage that 71 and a crack at the crown in the penultimate leg of the Asean PGA Tour.