SINGAPORE: Australia’s Adam Scott clung on to a one-shot lead over defending champion Ian Poulter of England and South Korea’s Kang Kyung-Nam after the third round of the Barclays Singapore Open Saturday.
The Australian, twice a winner here, carded a two-under par 69 for a total of 14-under 199 in humid conditions at the Sentosa Golf Club’s par 71 Serapong course.
US Open champion Graeme McDowell also remained in strong contention for the title with a solid round of 68 to go 12-under par 201, two shots behind the Australian.
The Australian refused to dwell on a missed birdie putt on the last hole, which would have given him a more comfortable two-stroke cushion over Poulter and Kang.
“One more would have been nice but two shots are nothing. You saw that today I had a two-shot lead and it was gone in the fourth,” said the 30-year-old Australian, who won here in 2005-2006.
“Two shots and one shot is not a big lead and we’ve seen all year, anyone with a lead is certainly under pressure on Sunday because guys from behind have nothing to lose. “So I am happy to be out in front, one might just be enough for me tomorrow hopefully.”
Poulter, who had started two shots behind the Australian, got off to a solid start with a birdie and an eagle in the front nine but was let down by a bogey on the 14th hole.
Overall, the Englishman was pleased with his round and fancied his chances of lifting the trophy for a second time. It comes with a winner’s cheque of one million dollars.
US PGA champion Martin Kaymer, who had been hoping to stretch his lead over McDowell in the Race to Dubai, has his work cut out going into the final round with the German seven shots behind at seven-under par 206. McDowell knows he will have to keep his concentration if he is to add a 4th title to what has been a stellar season for him this year.
