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Golf

Choi closes in on Sony title

13/01/2008

KJ Choi continued his excellent run of form in Hawaii after round three of the Sony Open, extending his lead to four shots.

The Korean carded a four-under-par 66 to reach 15 under for the tournament. His nearest challenger is now New Zealand rookie Tim Wilkinson.

The Kiwi scored an amazing eight-under-par in his third round to rocket up the leaderboard in what is only his third ever PGA Tour event.

Wilkinson made five birdies on the front nine and a further three on the way home in a mistake-free round that puts him in contention to claim the title on the final day.

The 29-year-old said he was relishing the chance to show what he is capable of on the pro tour in front of big crowds.

He said: "It's a lot of fun playing in front of people. You hit a good shot, you actually get applause. On the Nationwide Tour, you might hit a good shot and you get nothing."

Choi was able to double his lead over the field within the first two holes on Saturday after making a birdie at both.

Further birdies at the ninth, 14th and 18th, along with only his second bogey of the tournament at the 11th, meant he finished on four under for the day.

If Choi wins the event he will complete his seventh tour victory of his career and will have led in every round.

The Korean says he has been happy with his form this week and hopes to continue in a similar vain for one more day.

"I'm hitting the shots the way I want to and I feel really good about my shots. I feel like I had a good round," said Choi.