Chapchai opens up eight-stroke lead in SAIL Open

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Chapchai Nirat has shot 62-62-65 so far in the SAIL Open, where he leads by eight strokes.

GURGAON, India (AP) -- Chapchai Nirat of Thailand shot a 7-under 65 Friday to total 27 under after the third round of the SAIL Open and draw within four of the world record set by Ernie Els.

The 25-year-old Chapchai closed with five consecutive birdies to extend his overall lead to eight strokes over second-place Gaganjeet Bhullar of India (66).

Keith Horne of South Africa (64), Richard Moir of Australia (66) and Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines (67) are tied for third at 17-under 199.

"I'm extremely pleased with my show but a little disappointed that I couldn't shoot another 62," said Chapchai, who shot successive rounds of 62 on the previous two days at the Classic Golf Resort.

"The conditions were a shade tougher today because the pin positions were more difficult compared to the last two rounds. It was also windy and overcast in the morning. My putting on the back nine was exemplary, but I struggled with the putter on the front nine."

Chapchai's 27 under is a record for three rounds on the Asian Tour and only two short of its record for four rounds, set by Els at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.

"I'd love to shoot a world record of 32 under for four rounds, I'm really enjoying the game and relishing the challenge," Chapchai said. "I'll stick to my strategy of aiming for birdies on the par 5s tomorrow. I expect the pin positions to be even tougher in Round 4."

Els shot 31 under when he won the PGA TOUR's 2003 Mercedes Benz Championship on a par-73 course in Kapalua, Hawaii.