NEW DELHI: Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat continued his breathtaking run of form with a seven-under-par 65 to take a massive eight-stroke lead after the third round of the SAIL Open here yesterday.

The two-time Asian Tour winner, on 27-under-par 189, heads into the final round with a commanding lead over second-placed Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, who fired a 66 for a 197 total.

Chapchai, who hit 62 in each of the first two rounds, has set a 54-hole scoring record and is three strokes away from setting a new 72-hole record on the Asian Tour.

The Tour record for the lowest winning total is 29-under-par set by Ernie Els at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia.

Chapchai got off to a steady start with seven straight pars followed by a bogey on 11th but then his game sparked to life, starting with a birdie on the 12th. The Thai star then went on a birdie blitz, closing his round with five straight birdies from the 14th to the 18th.

“I am extremely happy with my performance, though a little disappointed that I could not shoot another 62,” said Chapchai.

“I expect the pin positions to be tougher tomorrow. I’d love to break the world record of 32-under for four rounds.”