Lin Wen-tang took a two-shot lead from a chasing pack headed by Sergio Garcia after the third round at Vietnam`s Ho Tram Open, recovering from a horrible start to finish 13-under for the tournament.
The Taiwanese 41-year-old dropped a shot on the second then stumbled to a double bogey on the fourth hole, but he steadied his game to grab six birdies and finish the round in 68.
It puts him two shots ahead of Spain`s Garcia, the top ranked player in the $1.5 million event, and Shaun Norris of South Africa, who will pair up with Lin on the final day.
World number 12 Garcia started out early to finish his weather delayed second round in 68.
He endured a wobbly start to the third round with a double bogey on the par five sixth, but got himself back into contention with some clean putting, notching up five birdies.
Only a bogey on the 18th kept the gap to Lin at two shots as he finished on 68 for the round and 11-under overall.
"The one on 18 wasn`t a good drive," he said according to an Asian Tour statement.
"Overall I felt I played quite well other than those two holes. I still have a chance."
Thailand`s Thaworn Wiratchant and Himmat Rai of India are also well within striking distance on 10-under for the tournament.
Leading scores after round three of the Ho Tram Open:
200 - Lin Wen-tang (TWN) 65-67-68
202 - Shaun Norris (RSA) 66-71-65, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 66-68-68
203 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 64-71-68, Himmat Rai (IND) 66-69-68
204 - Paul Peterson (USA) 66-70-68
206 - Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 69-70-67, Charlie Wi (KOR) 62-72-72
