SINGAPORE, September 10, 2011 (AFP) - Brazilian Adilson Da Silva produced some fine golf during a superb five-under-65 to share the third round lead with tenacious Indian Himmat Rai at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Saturday.
The 39-year-old Da Silva, a nine-time winner in South Africa including last weekend, was magnificent at the Orchid Country Club, shooting seven birdies against two bogeys to lead on 10-under-par 200.
He was joined in the top spot by an equally impressive Rai, who battled blustery conditions to shoot four birdies for an unblemished 66.
South African Jbe Kruger, runner-up here last year and the highest ranked player in the field, charged into contention at the $300,000 Asian Tour event with a 65, highlighted by an inward 29 to lie two back alongside Finnish rookie Kalle Samooja, who carded a 68.
A 67 pushed young Korean Baek Seuk-hyun into fifth place on 203 while veteran Thai Thaworn Wiratchant struggled in the winds for an even par 70 to lie a further shot back with South Africa's Tjaart van der Walt and Englishman Miles Tunnicliff.
After Da Silva dropped a bogey on the challenging 501-yard 18th hole where the players were struggling to reach the green, Rai sank a 20-footer to ensure he stayed level with the experienced Brazilian.
"It was tremendous. As a professional golfer, you must know every shot counts out here. I was mentally prepared for that putt," said the 24-year-old Rai, who fired birdies on the second, ninth, 11th and 17th holes.
In-form Da Silva produced some spectacular shots, including a monster birdie putt off the 14th green to give himself a chance of winning a title in his Asian Tour debut season.
"I'm feeling very confident and I feel my putting is working again. I've been hitting the ball reasonably well but my putting hasn't been there. But the last couple of weeks I'm beginning to find that form back again," said the 39-year-old.
"The winds were so strong on the 18th and I was actually hoping for the officials to call off play. I couldn't even make it to the front of the bunker in two. I've been in this position before and I'll try to stay patient, focus on my shots and hopefully they will be good enough to win this tournament."
Leading third-round scores at the $300,000 ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Saturday.
Par 70
200 - Adilson Da Silva (BRA) 68-67-65, Himmat Rai (IND) 68-66-66.
202 - Jbe Kruger (RSA) 67-70-65, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 68-66-68.
203 - Baek Seuk-hyun (KOR) 71-65-67.
204 - Tjaart van der Walt (RSA) 69-69-66, Miles Tunnicliff (ENG) 68-69-67, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 66-68-70.
205 - Quincy Quek (SIN) 71-68-66, Guido van der Valk (NED) 71-67-67, Elmer Salvador (PHI) 68-67-70.