Dhaka, January 27, 2010: Bangladesh’s Mohd Siddikur Rahman raced into a commanding six-stroke lead after posting a seven under 65 in round three of the American Express Bangladesh Open 2010. Siddikur’s total now reads 13 under 203. Kunal Bhasin of Australia, Bangladeshi amateur Mohd Dulal Hossain and India’s Sanjay Kumar are in joint second at seven under 209.

Mohd Siddikur Rahman (72, 66, 65) is now staring at his fourth win on the Aircel-PGTI as a result of his splendid performance at his home course on Wednesday that included eight birdies and a bogey. The 25-year-old stamped his authority in round three from the very outset.

Siddikur began his day with birdies on the first and third holes. He bogeyed the fourth and then came back with another birdie on the par four fifth hole thanks to an excellent drive which landed just off the green. A hat-trick of birdies followed on the seventh, eighth, ninth.

The local favourite came up with an amazing six-iron tee shot on the par three eighth which stopped just a few inches from the hole. A superb sand wedge approach shot from 100 yards led to the birdie on the ninth since it landed a mere three feet from the pin. Siddikur pulled-off a 30 feet putt for another spectacular birdie on the 15th.

Siddikur said, “Today’s round was one of my best in recent months. I putted really well in comparison to the first two days. I was also in good hitting form and played some outstanding approach shots, especially on the seventh, ninth and 18th. My best shots of the day included a 260-yard drive (second shot) on the seventh and a nine iron shot from 125 yards on the 18th that landed within 10 feet of the pin.”

He added, “I’ll just try to play my normal game on the final day and will try not to bother too much about the leaderboard. I’ll definitely attack the pins from the very start.”

Australia’s Kunal Bhasin, Bangladeshi amateur Mohd Dulal Hossain and India’s Sanjay Kumar are in joint second at seven under 209. Bhasin’s (72, 69, 68) second round 68 featured five birdies and a bogey. Dulal Hossain (70, 69, 70) carded a 70 in round three while Sanjay Kumar (66, 72, 71) turned in a 71.

Sujjan Singh is placed fifth at six under 210 while Bangladesh amateur and defending champion Mohd Jamal Hossain Mollah lies tied 16th at even par 216.