Asian leader Thaworn wins Indian Open

NEW DELHI, Sunday (AFP) - Thaworn Wiratchant stayed on course to win the 300,000-dollar Indian Open Golf tournament after carding a four-under-par 68 in Saturday's third round for a three-shot lead.

The Thai, who leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit after two wins this year, finished ahead of young compatriot Prom Meesawat and South African Hendrik Buhrmann.

Meesawat and Buhrmann hit a 69 each at the par-72 Delhi Golf Club to lie joint second on 205 against Thaworn's 14-under 202. "I have not hit my driver in three days," said Thaworn, who finished fifth in this event last year at the same venue.

"There was some pressure today as it was more windy after 12 holes. I just tried to keep the ball on the fairway."

Thaworn, who fired six birdies and made two bogies, is looking for his third title of the season after winning the Indonesian Open in March and the Taiwan Open in September.

"I feel I have been playing on the same level throughout this year but the course this week is really pushing me," he said.

"The courses in Indonesia and Taiwan were much easier. The Delhi Golf Club is a very tight layout. In Indonesia if I missed the fairway it was okay, but if you miss here you are in the bushes."

Thaworn will be joined in Sunday's final group by his 21-year-old co-star Meesawat.

"I played pretty good but today putting was the main thing," said Meesawat.

"I made about four good putts to save par. I just wanted to play the first three rounds in under par and so I am happy to have done that.

"I have only missed one fairway in three days."