Murakami blows solid start with bad finish

MANILA, Philippines - Artemio Murakami blew a fine start with a fumbling finish, settling for an even par 72 as he hardly moved up to joint 16th in the third round of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club in Taiwan yesterday.

Murakami, who dropped to 18th from joint second in the opening round, looked headed for a big rebound with three birdies in the first nine holes. But the burly Fil-Japanese shotmaker lost his focus in a birdie-less stint at the back marred by three bogeys in the last six holes for a 33-39 card.

He pooled a 214 and remained eight shots off Thai Thaworn Wiratchant, who shot a 70 for a 206 and a one-shot lead over compatriot Chinnarat Phadungsil, who rallied with a 67 for a 207, heading into the last 18 holes of the $300,000 championship.

Iain Steel of Malaysia stayed in the hunt with a 208 after a 71 while Ben Fox of the US and David Gleeson of Australia stood at 206 after a 70 and 71, respectively.

Tony Lascuña rallied on his homeward trip at the frontside, making three birdies in the first four holes to negate his two bogeys for a 71 and a 218 for a share of 36th.

Juvic Pagunsan and Gerald Rosales both limped with 77s and were in joint 64th with 224.