Summary It was tricky out there. I didn't play as well as I did the first two days, says Westwood.
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Lee Westwood survived high temperatures and fierce competition from compatriot Andy Sullivan to cling onto the lead in the Malaysian Open on Saturday by a single-stroke.
The Englishman, who boasts an impressive 12 career wins in Asia, started the day strongly but bogeyed his final hole in third-round play, allowing Sullivan to close in from six strokes behind overnight.
Coming off a seventh place finish at last week s Masters in the United States, Westwood was clearly feeling the effects of the scorching temperatures at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
"It was tricky out there. I didn t play as well as I did the first two days, but there were some difficult flags and it was really hot," the former world number one said.
"That s as hot as I ve been on a golf course for quite some time. It was a real grind."
He had launched off with a 20-foot birdie before being stifled with a bogey on the second but notched another two birdies by the 11th.
However, the Englishman scored a bogey on the final hole, finishing one-under at 71.
Sullivan steamed into second place by carding the day s best score of 66.
The 226th ranked Englishman, who idolises Westwood, was in phenomenal form with seven birdies for the day, including three in a row on the front nine.
"I only made one mistake but I got it back straight away. I m delighted with the way I finished," said Sullivan, who is seeking a maiden European Tour title.
Frenchman Julien Quesne trails Sullivan by three strokes, with Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium lurking a stroke behind after carding a 72 to join the chasing pack.
Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen managed a three-under 69, but that still leaves the South African seven strokes off the pace.
This year s $2.75 million tournament, jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian tours, is certain to witness a new winner after Thailand s defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat pulled out earlier in the day due to inflamed tonsils.
