Defending champion Peter Hedblom moved into pole position is his bid to retain the Maybank Malaysian Open title after two birdies to finish took him two strokes clear of Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik at Kota Permai.
The Swede produced a wonderful back nine performance on a sweltering day at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club for a flawless seven under par 65 and a 17 under par aggregate of 199, two clear of Argentine Daniel Vancsik, who charged into contention with a masterful 64.
Dyson moved back into contention with a five under par 67 to lie three back on 14 under par 202 alongside Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark, who returned a 69, and India’s Jyoti Randhawa, who shot a 70.
Darren Clarke surged into the lead with an inspired front nine of 29, but the Ulsterman lost momentum coming home and, having dropped a shot on the 15th, three putted the last for a round of 67 to lie in a share of sixth place.
Hedblom, who won the title at Saujana Golf and Country Club last year, turned in 34 before romping home in 31, courtesy of three successive birdies from the 11th hole and back-to-back birdies over his closing two holes.
“It has been a good defence so far, so hopefully I can continue to play like I did today and putt like I did then it will be a really good defence,” said the smiling Swede, whose wife and family members are leading the cheering squad.
“Last year was the first time I played good in Malaysia. Everything comes together this week. So far it has been good but I don’t know why. I don’t normally play well in hot weather but the last two years have been good.
“Two shot lead, you want to get as big a lead as possible as you can shoot a low score round here but I am happy with the position I am in, in the front. I hope I can continue to make birdies tomorrow.”
Vancsik got his round going with an eagle on the first and thereafter made his score on the greens with a series of wonderful putts on his way to an eight under par round.
“I will try and do my best and have a chance again,” said the winner of last year’s Madeira Island Open BPI. “This week is my fourth chance in the last few months and I need to win one more.”
