Dane Bjorn stays ahead in Bangkok
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Bjorn stays in the driving seat
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BANGKOK, Thailand (Reuters) -Thomas Bjorn retained the lead after firing a two-under 70 in the Johnnie Walker Classic third round at the Alpine Golf and Sports Club course on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Dane, playing his first event of the year, finished at 14-under 202, one ahead of Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, who carded a 67.
Briton Simon Yates, Scotland-born but Thailand-based, was a further stroke back in a share of third after returning a 68. He was level with Australian left-hander Richard Green who shot a 67.
Others in contention for the tri-sanctioned title are defending champion Ernie Els (69) and Australia's Adam Scott (67), both ending among a group of seven at 10-under 206.
Bjorn was involved in an on-course dispute with Colin Montgomerie on Friday -- the Scot reeled off six birdies in Saturday's 67 for 207 -- but this time found the heat his biggest problem.
But Bjorn, who has led since shooting a 64 in the first round, kept his nose in front with a birdie at the 17th hole following his best shot of the day.
"I was in the rough off the tee...it was not the easiest shot I have had to play. But I hit the best shot of the day there, a five wood (onto the green) from 250 yards," said Bjorn, remembered for faltering down the stretch when leading last year's British Open.
"It was tough today, probably the hottest that I have ever been on a golf course. But I kept it going and I am happy with the way I am hitting it. I need a good rest tonight for sure and we'll see how it goes tomorrow."
Jimenez, who missed the cut in last week's Dunhill Championships in South Africa, grabbed six birdies in 14 holes before dropping his only shot of the day at the 15th.
"I will give it all I have to win tomorrow," said the pony-tailed Jimenez, who ranked 23rd on the European Tour last season. "I hit it very solid today but missed a few putts for birdie."
Green, whose victory in the 1997 Dubai Desert Classic was the first by a lefthander on the European Tour since 1975, ended his round in style with back-to-back birdies.
Yates, a downhill skiier for Scotland before turning his attention full-time to golf, has played on the Asian circuit since 1995 and has total winnings of more than 700,000 US dollars.
"If I win I would play on the European Tour for sure, as long as the the weather was not cold," said the 33-year-old.
Hawaii Open winner Els, meanwhile, was frustrated by his failure to hole putts saying: "I am a little bit disappointed ...if I am going to win I will have to putt a lot better."
