Anirban Lahiri closes in on British Open spot

Currently, Fraser, Lahiri, Scott Hend and Jonathan Moore are the top four and they need to stay in there.

Lahiri, playing in the fourth last group, was in a strong position at six-under after 15 holes, before bogeys on 16th and 18th set him back. (PTI)

A win at the Thailand Golf Championships could open a whole new world for Anirban Lahiri and he put himself up in a perfect position to clinch his third title of the season, reaching the second place after the penultimate round of the Asian Tour event.

Lahiri, playing in the fourth last group, was in a strong position at six-under after 15 holes, before bogeys on 16th and 18th set him back. He totalled four-under 212, one shot adrift of clubhouse leader Marcus Fraser, who edged ahead with a third round 70 at five-under 211.

A lot is at stake on the final day for Lahiri and others, as the top four — not otherwise qualified — will earn a berth into the 2015 British Open Championships at St. Andrews. Currently, Fraser, Lahiri, Scott Hend and Jonathan Moore are the top four and they need to stay in there.

Story continues below this ad

Also Lahiri, who is second and trailing David Lipsky by a little over $ 133,000 in the Order of Merit race, could take the battle to the final event in Dubai with a win or even second place. Lipsky, meanwhile slipped to tied 21st with a round of 74. A win could also move Lahiri into the Top-50 of the world opening a world of new opportunities.

The next best Indian was Arjun Atwal (72) six-over 222 at tied 40th place, while SSP Chowrasia (72) was tied 46th. Gaganjeet Bhullar (73) was tied 54th and Chiragh Kumar (76) was third 60th.