Golf-Hedblom leads Malaysian Open by two strokes

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Reuters) - Defending champion Peter Hedblom of Sweden shot a seven-under-par 65 to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the $2-million Malaysian Open on Saturday.

The lead changed several times during the day but Hedblom picked up seven birdies to emerge as the man to beat heading into the final round at the Kota Permai Golf Club.

Hedblom has a three-day total of 17-under-par 199, two ahead of Argentina's Daniel Vancsik, who shot an eight-under-par 64.

Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen (69), Briton Simon Dyson (67) and Indian Jyoti Randhawa (70) share third place on 14-under 202.

Joint overnight leader Nick Dougherty of Britain fired an even-par 72 to share sixth place on 204 with three others, including Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke.

His co-leader after Friday, Malaysia's Danny Chia, suffered a third-round collapse with eight-over-par 80 to drop down to joint 55th, 13 strokes adrift of the lead.

Hedblom, seeking his third European Tour title, told reporters: "It has been a good defence so far so hopefully I can continue to play like I did today and putt like I did today.

"You want to get as big a lead as possible. I am happy with the position I am in, in the front. I hope I can continue to make birdies tomorrow. If I can come out on top it would be fantastic."

He is likely to face tough opposition on Sunday, with Clarke moving into a threatening position.

Clarke appeared headed for a 59 after he went out in 29 but he settled for a five-under-par 67 to give himself a chance on Sunday. (Editing by Clare Fallon)