Well-rested Thongchai marches on at Open

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee took advantage of his day off by returning to post a third round two-under-par 70 at The Open on Sunday.

The world’s oldest major will witness a Monday finish for the first time since 1988 after gusty wind conditions disrupted play for more than 10 hours on Saturday.

Having enjoyed his time off by relaxing at his rented house in St Andrews, Thongchai was clearly excited to be back at the tee.

"I guess I was lucky to be on the good side of the draw and finishing my second round on Friday. It was really tough with the winds yesterday and I’m glad I was able to be in the comforts of the house,” said the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.

Thongchai opened with a birdie and ran out in 35 after mixing a bogey and another birdie on nine.

He parred the next three holes before carding his third and last birdie of his round on the par-five 14 to compile a three-day total of three-under-par 213 at the Old Course.

"The pin positions were not easy today and I wish my putting could be slightly better. But overall, it was still a solid round,” said Thongchai.

When asked if he could mount a late challenge, Thongchai remained upbeat of his chances.

"Never say never. It all depends on the weather and if I can shoot a low score tomorrow, it can get interesting,” said Thongchai, whose best result at The Open was his tied-13th finish in 2009.
Source: AFP