The 43-year-old, who edged out Thammanoon Sriroj in the play-off for the 2005 title, picked up four birdies at holes No 5, 7, 9 and 13 and a bogey on the 14th. "I like this course because it is short. I was lucky on many occasions when the balls could have landed in the rough. I think I did nothing special,'' said Lu, who two-putted for his lone bogey.

Lu, who has two Asian Tour titles under his belt, including the 1998 Ericsson Classic in his homeland, has never retained a championship. His game plan for the next two days is to concentrate more.

"I'm not sure about my plan but I will play seriously. However, it also depends on the winds which affect play here,'' said Lu, who also won the Thailand Open - a non-Asian Tour event - in 1990.

Prayad Marksaeng held on to second place, trailing one shot behind after firing a one-under-par 70 for a total of five-under 137. The 40-year-old pro had an up-and-down round, producing birdies at holes 7, 9, 12, 15 and 18 but bogeying on 3, 11, 14 and 17.

"I putted well today but my chipping let me down. Every time I chipped, the balls went into tough positions,'' said Prayad, who benefited from his experience on the Japan Tour, where many courses are on hilly layouts.

"It helps to play well here but this course, undoubtedly, is the toughest,'' said Prayad, who is convinced that he has what it takes to challenge the Taiwanese for the trophy.

"I'm only one shot behind and I don't think he is too tough to beat here. I think he likes the course but I believe I can play better."

Singaporean Marden Mamat is third on three-under 139, followed by Airil Rizman Zahari of Malaysia on 140. Thaworn Wiratchant slipped out of the top three after firing four bogeys from holes 11 to 14 to finish one under for joint-fifth place, along with compatriot Chawalit Plaphol and Rick Gibson of Canada. Overnight leader Ian Steel of Malaysia plummeted to 22nd after 11 bogeys that put him on two-over par 144.

Rising star Chinarat Phadungsil was one under yesterday to aggregate five-over 147 and make the cut. The nagging back injury he is carrying might however affect his performance over the weekend.

"I have some problem with my back, which is something that has bothered me for so long but it has become worse here because of the course conditions. I had an injection and hopefully I can get through the last two days,'' said the 17-year-old, the winner of the Double A International last year in Rayong.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

Samui