Wiesberger Streaks to Top of Malaysian Open


Bernd Wiesberger continues to show he's a figure to be reckoned with in the world of golf. After top-10 finishes at the past three events in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai during the European Tour's "Desert Swing" to break into the world top-50 rankings, the Austrian is in very good position for a victory.

On Saturday the 29-year-old fired a 9-under 63 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club to take the 54-hole lead at the Maybank Malaysian Open. Wiesberger heads into the final round at 17-under 199, two strokes clear of Spain's Alejandro Caņizares.

Caņizares began the third round sharing the lead with defending champion Lee Westwood; the 32-year-old from Madrid posted a 68 to stay within eyeshot of Wiesberger. Westwood had a 69 and now shares third at 202 with fellow Brit Paul Waring (65).

Wiesberger was thrilled with his play, which included five straight birdies to start the day and another birdie and bogey for a front-nine, 5-under 31. He tacked on four more birdies coming home, including on his last three holes for his career-best round.

"I caught up with the leaders early, which was good, and finished off well," he told the European Tour's website. "It was a great day for me. This is my European Tour record - I've never shot a 63.

"I've been working on the right things which are important for my game. I've improved on my putting a lot; I have changed to a different model and it has been working for me. I also have the belief that I can play good golf now."

Wiesberger knows there's much work to do before he can return to the winner's circle for the first time since the Lyoness Open in July 2012. "I'm not discounting anybody; there was a 62 out there and there's probably going to be another 62 out there as well.

"It is going to be a similar feeling, like the last couple of weeks. I had a fast start today and anybody can do that tomorrow. If I keep playing like this then I have a good chance to take this home, but tomorrow is another day and anything can happen. I'll try and rest up and give myself a chance on Sunday."

Canizares predicts Sunday will be a shootout. "It's always good to play with someone who is playing well as he's pulling you to make birdies as well. It was fun to watch, (Wiesberger) played great. He kept me going and kept me pushing. All I can do is do my best and try to have fun - that's my goal tomorrow."

Trailing by five is India's Anirban Lahiri, who carded the low round of the tournament, a 10-under 62, while six back is American Paul Peterson (64).

Tied for eighth at 207 are Spain's Alvaro Quiros and Australian Jake Higginbottom, who each recorded 67s. American Peter Uihlein fired a 65 to rise into a share of 11th at 209, 10 strokes behind Wiesberger.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015008/leaderboard/index.html.