Karlberg trails Westwood by six in Malaysia

April 19: Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg will be ready to capitalise on any slip-ups by third round leader Lee Westwood as he trails the Englishman by six shots in tied-fifth place going into the final day of the Maybank Malaysian Open. Westwood could not produce the fireworks like his opening two rounds as he could only muster a one-under-par 71. The former world number one’s lead is now cut to one after he compiled a three-day total of 14-under-par 202. Karlberg, who started the day in tied-18th place sprinted out impressively with an outward 31 that highlighted by three birdies and one eagle. The Black Mountain sponsored player added another two birdies in the next three holes after the turn but was set back by a nasty double-bogey six on 17 and had to sign for a 67. Another Black Mountain sponsored player Thongchai Jaidee mixed his card with four birdies and two bogeys to sign for a 70. The Thai conceded that fatigue has affected his performance after a tied-37th finish at the Masters last week but has vowed to battle on so that he can sign off with another creditable finish. “I played okay but I was feeling a bit tired because I came back from the United States early this week. I had to play two rounds in the morning and I didn’t have enough time to rest. The weather is so hot as well here so it takes a lot of energy out of
you. I didn’t play good enough on the first day but I guess that set the tone for the week. I have no chance to win so I will accept a top-10 finish but I have to play really well to achieve that goal,” said Thongchai. Jazz Janewattananond meanwhile carded a 73 to take a share of 56th place on 218 total.