HUA HIN – Unheralded Piya Swangarunporn of Thailand birdied his closing two holes for a shock one-stroke lead at the 600,000-dollar Black Mountain Masters on Saturday.
But hot on his heels are proven winners Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, who enjoyed a career first with three eagles in a spectacular round of 67, and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee. The 27-year-old Piya, chasing a maiden Asian Tour victory, battled to a four-under-par 68 in the third round at the Black Mountain Golf Club to head the field on 14-under-par 202 in Hua Hin, Thailand.
“If I win, it will change my life. Everything will change. Since I turned pro (in 2002), I’ve been waiting for this chance,” said Piya. Two top-10s this year on the Asian Tour showed the growing maturity in his game, which relies heavily on his long driving ability. He won a long driving contest in Thailand in 2006 with a massive 320-yard effort.
“This is the first time I’m leading and I need to keep playing the same game plan,” said Piya. “It’s very exciting but I’m not going to think about the players behind me. If I’m not too nervous I will have a chance to win. I was a bit nervous today.”
Hiratsuka, 39, is chasing a third victory of the year on the Asian Tour and soared high with three eagles in his impressive round. He holed a monstrous 45-foot putt on the sixth, 15 feet on the 13th and drained a 12 footer at the last hole after a massive three wood approach shot from 256 yards out. “It was a special day,” the Japanese said. “I enjoy playing in Thailand (he won the Queen’s Cup in Samui in June) and I like it here as well.
“But I will have to watch out for Thongchai as he is the perfect golfer. We’ll have to keep an eye on him.” Thongchai carded a 68 to stay in the hunt in tied third place, three back, as he kept alive his hopes of winning for the second straight week.
Thongchai moved menacingly up the leaderboard with a five-birdie round but lamented missed opportunities on the greens once again. Over-night leader Lee Sung of South Korea stumbled to a 75 to join Thongchai on 205 in the Asian Tour’s season finale.
