Fernando regains one-shot lead

MANILA, Philippines - Mhark Fernando wilted in sweltering heat but whisked off Mohd Iylia Jamil’s challenge as he fired a gutsy 72 to regain a one-stroke lead in the third round of the Malaysian Amateur Open Golf Championship at the Damai Laut Golf and Country Club in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia Saturday.

Fernando leaned on back-to-back birdies from No. 2 to negate bogeys on Nos. 8 and 10 for a 35-37 card and a 54-hole aggregate of 210, one shot clear of Iylia heading into the final round of the 108th staging of the annual event.

Iylia, tied with the ICTSI-Cangolf bet at the halfway mark, struggled with a one-over 73 and slid to second with a 211.

“I had an average game today. There’s no pressure but the hot weather and humidity affected my game,” said Fernando, bracing for a shootout with the local ace in the final round.

ICTSI-The Country Club’s Peter Villaber moved up to third but fell farther back at 216, six strokes behind as he fumbled with a two-over 74 after back-to-back 71s.

Top ICTSI bet Lovelynn Guioguio also moved in contention in the ladies side as she fired a one-under 71 to trail joint leaders Sharon Lau and Yupaporn Kawinpakorn of Thailand by one heading into the final round of the 54-hole championship.