KUALA LUMPUR • Overnight leader Justin Thomas dropped a stunning four shots over a three-hole span yesterday to hand Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri a four-stroke lead going into the CIMB Classic's final round.

The American defending champion had been nearly flawless in seizing the lead in the first two rounds in Kuala Lumpur and looked certain to retain his sole PGA Tour title.

But the 23-year-old went bogey, double-bogey and bogey to start yesterday's back nine, a stretch that may have decided the tournament.

He will need to be razor-sharp today to catch Lahiri, 29, who notched nine birdies for a seven-under 65.

The Indian went to 197 overall, while Thomas salvaged a 71 at the par-72 TPC Kuala Lumpur to finish on 201 along with Scotland's Russell Knox (68).

Lahiri thrived in the breezy conditions in Malaysia, ending strong with four birdies in the final five holes.

Lying on 202 are Derek Fathauer (68) and James Hahn (69) of the United States, along with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama (69).

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

CIMB CLASSIC DAY 4

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