Thailand's Thongchai keeps flag flying for Asia

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Thai Thongchai Jaidee had high hopes of becoming Asia's first major champion after surging to within four strokes of surprise leader Tom Watson, 59, in Saturday's British Open third round.

"I've been receiving many text messages from people congratulating me and giving me lots of encouragement," he told reporters after shooting a one-under 69 for 210, level par.

"I know many people are watching me back home and I cannot let them down," said Thongchai who is number one on the Asian order of merit.

The 39-year-old Thai parred the opening four holes before birdies at the fifth, seventh and ninth ignited his title charge on another difficult day for scoring at Turnberry.

Thongchai, a 12-times winner on his home circuit, dropped down the field with bogeys at the 10th, 14th and 16th before a birdie four at the 17th restored the smile to his face.

"There were a lot of spectators walking across the fairway and I got distracted," he said.

"Especially on the 14th. After I set up my shot and was ready to putt I had to walk back again to read the lie.

"Making the cut at a major has always been the target I've set. Now that I've made it, the pressure is off and I want to make my country proud," added Thongchai.

Asia came close to a major victory in the 1971 British Open at Royal Birkdale where Lu Liang-huan of Chinese Taipei was runner-up to American Lee Trevino.

"I'm enjoying myself this week. I've been playing well and an even-par score after three rounds is good. I'll continue to do my best tomorrow," said Thongchai, who has played in two previous British Opens and has a best finish of tied 52nd.

"On a links course like this, anybody can win it. The weather can be good one day and bad the other.

"You never know who will win until the last putt," added Thongchai, four times a winner on the European Tour.

(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)