Garcia Forges Four-Shot Lead in Thailand


Sergio Garcia fired his second straight 7-under 65 to take charge of the Thailand Golf Championship. The Asian Tour event is taking place at Amata Spring Country Club.

Garcia birdied the final two holes to reach 18-under 198 through 54 holes, four shots ahead of India's Anirban Lahiri (67) and Sweden's Henrik Stenson (65). After posting a 70 Saturday, 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose is in solo third at 203.

"I was able to hit some really nice shots and then was able to roll two or three really good putts in and it was nice to be able to finish birdie, birdie on this difficult finishing stretch," said Garcia, who opened with a 68 but jump-started his second round with a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole Friday.

Garcia's girlfriend, Katharina Boehm, is serving as his caddie this week, and the partnership seems to be working. "I think if she will not be on the bag it would probably be like 25 under," Garcia joked.

"No, seriously, it's great to have her around, forget about having her on the bag this week. Just a very positive person, a lot of good energy, that's what I love about her, and it's great to be able to go through this with her. I think the experience, not only for me but for her, I'm sure is interesting and a lot of memories."

Stenson is continuing to play outstanding golf. The 37-year-old became the first player in history when last season he won the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai.

"That was a good day, definitely was the best I played this week," Stenson said. "Made some good birdies and some really good saves to keep the momentum going. I saw Sergio, he finished with two birdies to pull away four ahead again, so it's going to take some golf to catch him tomorrow.

"I know he's desperate to get his hands on a trophy, he's played well this year but has not managed to win anything," Stenson said in reference to Garcia not making it to the winner's circle since the Wyndham Championship in August 2012. "I'll try to challenge and see what happens."

The top American in the field is Rickie Fowler at 207, while D.A. Points is at 208. Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson are both at 5-under 211.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.asiantour.com/tournaments/54/leaderboard/?leaderboard=3.