Lahiri returns with a 66 in Malaysia

April 19: India’s Anirban Lahiri finally showed up his good form on Saturday as he fired day’s joint lowest score six-under-par 66 at the Maybank Malaysian Open.

After continuous rounds of 72s, Lahiri shot six birdies in a bogey free card at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. He lies at joint 14th place after the third round of the US$2.75 million event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“I’m happy, really happy with how I played. I’ve been playing good the last two days, just wasn’t making putts. I came out and just putted much better. I’ve been working on it and it’s nice to have that improved. I was probably trying a bit too hard the last two rounds and just relaxed a little bit playing with Rashid Khan and Pariya Junhasavasdikul. It was a great day,” said the 26-year-old, who is eight shots behind leader Lee Westwood of England.

“In the last couple of days, I was trying a bit too hard. I was anxious and wanted very badly to make everything. I was getting in my own way a little bit and it was good to play nicely today.”

[highlight]  I was probably trying a bit too hard the last two rounds and just relaxed a little bit playing with Rashid Khan and Pariya Junhasavasdikul [/highlight]

The three-time winner on the Asian Tour hit 16 greens in regulation and got the putter hot as putts that were burning the edges in the last two days starting to find the middle of the cups in his third round.

“KLGCC is always tricky. The greens can be very deceptive. The greens are slightly slower this year and the grass is slightly longer than usual. The speeds have changed and the lines have changed. You need a bit of adjustments and it’s quite tricky. I’ve been working on some things with my coach and I’ve stuck to it,” said Lahiri.

“I’m happy with how I’m hitting it. Hit 16 greens today and 15 yesterday. Hopefully my ball striking stays that way and it’ll come down to putting. Hopefully I can make a few more tomorrow.”

Countryman Rahil Gangjee shot a 70 for tied 23rd position on 212 alongside S.S.P. Chowrasia who battled to a 71. Shiv Kapur is a further two shots back in equal 35th place after a 69.

Meanwhile, England’s Lee Westwood extended his lead into the final round  of  Maybank Malaysian Open. He is one stroke ahead of compatriot Andy Sullivan, awaiting as an exciting final round at the Maybank Malaysian Open.