Hua Hin, Thailand: Peradol Panyathanasedh of Thailand holed a huge birdie putt on the last hole to grab a three-shot lead in the third round of the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, searching for a first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title, sank a 45-foot putt on the 18th hole to end the day on three-under-par 69 at the award-winning Black Mountain Golf Club.

Kasidit Lepkurte of Thailand also shot a 69 to trail in second place while Chapchai Nirat (67), Pannakorn Uthaipas (70) and Udorn Duangdecha (72) are a further shot back at the four million Baht (approximately US$115,770) ADT event.

Also read: Peradol and Raththee honours at Tongchai Jaidee Foundation 

Malaysia’s Gavin Green, ranked second on the ADT Order of Merit, produced a 70 to sit in tied 13th place. He needs at least a fourth place finish this week to become the new Merit leader.

After changing his name from Varut Chomchalam over a year ago, Peradol has enjoyed better fortunes as he leads in the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation on nine-under-par 207.

“My dad got sick (brain cancer) and we went to the temple for advice. The monk told us that our whole family must change our name for better luck and we did it. It is normal for Thai people to change their names,” said Peradol, who traded six birdies against three bogeys.

A two-time winner on the local Thai circuit, Peradol hopes to secure his career’s biggest victory in front of his idol and tournament host Thongchai Jaidee.

“I feel very comfortable playing on this course. There are many good players behind me but I’m only thinking about my own game and not about other people. It will mean a lot to me if I can pull off this win because it will be an honour to Thongchai and for the Thai people,” said Peradol.

Defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand slipped down the leaderboard following a 73. He trails Peradol by six shots heading into the final 18 holes.