Willett in pole position

KUALA LUMPUR — Danny Willett stayed on course to end a 10-month title drought, knocking home a 67 to take a three-shot lead over David Lipsky at the Maybank Malaysia Championship Saturday. Englishman Willett, 29, almost struck an eagle on the final hole for a better advantage but his six birdies give him an upper hand heading into the final round Sunday. “I’m not sure what will win it to be honest, depends on if we pitch up and it’s flat calm. I think there’s a few guys that can go low if it’s windy like this,” said Willett. “One or two under par is a good knock out there so I think it all depends on the weather tomorrow.” Ever since he triumphed at the US Masters in April 2016, Willett has only managed three top-10 finishes, with the last one coming at December’s Hong Kong Open where he came joint sixth. This year, the world No. 15 missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi Championship, before finishing tied-54 at the Dubai Desert Classic, in which he triumphed in 2016. American Lipsky stays in close contention after he turned in a 68, courtesy of five birdies, three of which came on the par-5 holes. “I drove it well and scrambled well and I’m pretty happy with what I shot. Just keep doing what I’m doing. I’m playing pretty well and giving myself opportunities. I’ll need to take advantage of the par fives,” said Lipsky. “My last birdie before 18 was on 10 so I’m happy to have made that. Danny (Willett) and I are friends and it’ll be neat out there competing.” Frenchman Alexander Levy also sits within touching distance of Willett four shots back. Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who went on a 11-birdie binge on Friday, faltered with a one-over-par 73 to lie five strokes behind with a chasing pack that includes former US Open runner-up Gregory Havret. — AFP