India's Anirban set to clinch maiden PGA Tour title after claiming four-shot lead at CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur
Anirban Lahiri during the Round Three match of CIMB Classic golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Pic/AFP
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Kuala Lumpur: India's golfer Anirban Lahiri blitzed his way to a four-shot lead at the CIMB Classic on Saturday, firing a brilliant seven-under 65 in the third round to set himself up for a maiden PGA Tour title.
The reigning Asian Tour number one, who was trailing by two shots to defending champion Justin Thomas on Friday, enjoyed another birdie binge with nine on the card against a double bogey at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
His 54-hole tally of 19-under 197 gives the 29-year-old a four-shot lead over Thomas of the United States and Scotsman Russell Knox, who shot a 71 and 68, respectively, in the $7 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour.
Two-back at the start of the day, Lahiri was delighted that he finished the day with four birdies over his last five holes as he erased the disappointment of dropping shots late in his opening two rounds. "It's very important. Obviously, it was on my mind today... it was on my mind since I finished my round yesterday actually. I was determined to keep my focus right through the 18 holes," said Lahiri.
With his best finish to date on the PGA Tour being tied fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship, Lahiri is hoping to join compatriot Arjun Atwal as the only Indians to win on the PGA Tour.
"I just need to focus on what I need to do. I feel I'm in a good place mentally and physically and with my game, so that's exactly where you want to be going into tomorrow (Sunday). I'm not going to think much about where I am but just think about what I need to do," said Lahiri, who has seven wins on the Asian Tour.
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