Hamamoto holds narrow lead in Bangladesh Open

Thailand's Kosuke Hamamoto opened up a one-shot lead over countryman Danthai Boonma after the third round of the US$400,000 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Bangladesh Open today.

Kosuke, a star of the amateur game not so long ago seeking his first Asian Tour victory, fired a four-under-par 67 at Kurmitola Golf Club for a tournament total of 11 under, while Danthai shot a joint best of the day 65.  

India's Veer Ahlawat, in with a 68, and Bangladesh's Jamal Hossain and Thailand's Atiruj Winaicharoenchai both returned 69s and are tied for third, four behind the leader.

Thailand's Itthipat Buranatanyarat, the leader after the first two days, slipped back with a 74 and is in equal sixth place along with Bangladesh number one Siddikur Rahman, who fired a 72, and Spaniard David Puig, who signed for a 69.

He'll be paired in the final round with Danthai, a close friend and lunch partner for the week.

Hossan is looking to become the first player from his country to win the Bangladesh Open since it became part of the Asian Tour in 2015.

He said: "I have been playing very good on the PGTI [Professional Golf Tour of India] in the last few events, coming second a few weeks ago. And last week in a Bangladeshi local tour event I shot 25 under and won. So, this week, I think I'm playing well and I'll be playing my own game tomorrow. I feel comfortable.

"I'll try to just focus on my game, and I'll be trying to do my best. I've played this course so many times in seven, eight and nine under, so tomorrow I'll be trying to play to my plan, hit the fairways and greens. If I make some good putts then I can easily shoot six, seven under tomorrow."

Thailand's 15-year-old amateur sensation Ratchanon Chantananuwat carded his best round of the week, a 68, and is four under for the championship, while defending champion Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand came in with a 71 and at one over is too far back to make a successful defence.