Hend up by One at Thailand Classic


Australia's Scott Hend shot a 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the True Thailand Classic. The European Tour event got underway Thursday at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The 41-year-old Hend, who won the Hong Kong Open last October in a playoff, posted five birdies, an eagle on the par-5 13th and a bogey to reach 15-under 201, a shot ahead of local favorite Thongchai Jaidee and ageless Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez.

Jaidee carded a 67, and 36-hole leader Jimenez a 69.

"It was a good round and puts me in a good position," Hend told the European Tour's website. "I played very solidly and putted quite well. I only made one mistake so it was pretty good.

"This is where you want to be, in the last group on a Sunday. I'll be playing with Thongchai again and Miguel so it'll be a good little test tomorrow. I'm very lucky and privileged to be playing golf for a living and being in contention on Sundays is what we're all trying to do."

The 51-year-old Jimenez has been battling a cold this week but is still in contention to break his own record as the European Tour's oldest winner. "I'm playing well and hitting it well," he said after his round Saturday. "I missed a few putts but I'm creating lots of chances.

"This is a beautiful place and it's beautiful weather - it's a good scenario. It could have been 5- or 6-under today, but that's the game and you have to take it."

Jaidee told reporters he needed to work on his short game. "I need to practice my putting - putting will be the key to win this tournament," the six-time winner said.

Three behind Hend is Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70), while four back are Australians Wade Ormsby (68) Andrew Doot and Richard Green, who each shot 67s, and Sweden's Alex Noren (68).

Four other players are tied for ninth at 206.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015010/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y.