Crane out in front in Kuala Lumpur
Ben Crane will take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the CIMB Asia-Pacific Classic after the American shot a five-under-par 66 to move clear of the field.
Crane, who shared the overnight lead, birdied three of his last four holes at Mines Resort and Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur to move to 16 under par, two clear of Swede Carl Pettersson.
“I’m pretty excited with where my game is at,” said Crane.
“I’ve been working hard on getting my mind in the right place. That’s what this game is all about. I’m just trying to play freely and trying to play like when I was playing like a kid.
“I haven’t been in this position a lot but I’m thrilled to be here. Obviously there’s no position I’d rather be in but certainly, I’ll pray tonight for peace and relaxation and come out tomorrow to enjoy this experience. It’s really fun to be playing well here.”
Pettersson also carded a 66, picking up five birdies over his back nine after playing the front nine in even par to finish 14 under.
“It wasn’t a great start but I made some good birdies and played a good back nine to get myself back into the tournament. It was a fun finish,” he said.
“I’ve been playing well all week, nothing really spectacular. I’m hitting it straight and hitting my irons nice enough.”
English duo Luke Donald and Brian Davies are in a group of five players tied for third on 12 under after shooting 67 and 66 respectively while overnight co-leader Pariya Junhasavasdikul slipped back to 11 under par following a 71.
