SAMUT PRAKAN : Brazil's Lucas Lee posted a seven-under-par 65 in the third round to take a one-shot lead at the Thailand Open yesterday.
A stroke off the pace after two rounds in the US$1 million tournament, the 25-year-old Brazilian made eight birdies against an 11th hole bogey for a total of 19-under 197 at Thana City Golf and Sports Club.
Defending champion Chris Wood of England (65) and Hu Mu of China (64) were one shot off the lead and one shot ahead of Hua Hin-based Simon Yates of Scotland (64) and overnight leader Scott Strange of Australia (68).
Lee, who finished 43rd on OneAsia's money list after six events last year, said that the key for him was not to make a mistake.
In an attempt to claim the winner's cheque of US$180,000 at the season opener on both OneAsia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), Lee said he needed to be as positive and simple as possible.
"I'm just going to try and be as positive as possible while also keeping it simple," he said.
Wood said he was very pleased with his effort to defend the title judging from the fact that he had not practised at the course before this year's event.
"It's a long journey to get here. So, it has been great to play well," said Englishman, who last week played at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Florida.
"To win the title, I will have to make something in the mid-60s."
Last year, Wood took a two-shot victory at Suwan Golf and Country Club where he shot a final-round 67 to win on 23-under.
Yates, who turned 43 yesterday, said that his brilliant round was a result of his hot putter.
"My putter was much better today. That is what I have missed lately," the Scot said.
"I have been working on my putting and it paid off today."
Strange, who was two strokes behind the leader, believed he still stood a good chance to win.
"There are heaps of birdie opportunities out there. Tomorrow, some guys can come from six back and shoot 11- or 12-under to win the title," he said.
Local hope Prayad Marksaeng shot a 65 for 200 _ four strokes behind the lead.
The 46-year-old Thai fired five birdies in a row from the first hole and a 10th hole eagle but dropped two shots.
Bidding for his fourth JGTO title and maiden OneAsia win, Prayad admitted that it would be a very tough task because those in front of him were good.
"It will be tough to catch them," said Prayad, who was second at the 2011 Thailand Open.
Japan's Katsumasa Miyamato matched the course record of 63 to move from 52th to 11th on 202.
Thailand's Wisut Artjanawat reeled off two eagles and four birdies against two bogeys for a 66.
Joining him in 17th place on 203 was compatriot Thayakon Khrongpha (70), who made five birdies against a triple-bogey, while Thaworn Wiratchant fired a 69.
Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington carded a 75 with one birdie and four bogeys to stay on 208 with eight players, including Thai duo Thammanoon Srirot (71) and Rattanon Wannasrichan (69).
Andre Stolz, the 2011 champion from Australia, was a stroke behind.
Thai national player Tawan Phongphun, who is the only amateur and one of the 10 local players remaining in the field, shot a 75 for 213, two strokes ahead of bottom-placed Takashi Kanemoto (76).
LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES
197 _ Lucas Lee (BRA) 65-67-65
198 _ Hu Mu (CHN) 67-67-64, Chris Wood (ENG) 67-66-65
199 _ Simon Yates (SCO) 66-69-64, Scott Strange (AUS) 66-65-68
200 _ Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 68-67-65, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 68-64-68
201 _ David Smail (NZL) 69-66-66, Yoshinori Fujimoto (JPN) 67-67-67, David McKenzie (AUS) 65-68-68
202 _ Nick Cullen (AUS) 69-67-66, Kazuhiro Yamashita (JPN) 70-66-66, Juvic Pagunsan (PHI) 67-69-66, Katsumasa Miyamoto (JPN) 73-66-63, Cho Min-Gyu (KOR) 65-68-69, Lee Kyoung-Hoon (KOR) 67-66-69
203 _ Daisuke Maruyama (JPN) 70-67-66, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 66-71-66, Ho S K (KOR) 68-68-67, Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 70-63-70, Brad Shilton (NZL) 73-66-64