SSP Chawrasia will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Indian Open in Delhi as he looks to claim his third European Tour title.
The Indian number two followed up back-to-back rounds of 67 with a blemish-free 68 on Saturday to move to 14 under for the tournament.
The 37-year-old, who lost in a play-off to compatriot Anirban Lahiri in last year’s event, recorded a birdie on the first and three more in succession from the sixth to reach the turn in 32.
He was unable to pick up any more shots on the back nine, reeling off 10 consecutive pars from the ninth, but had still done enough to build a two-shot lead over nearest challenger Terry Pilkadaris.
Chawrasia said on www.europeantour.com: “Going into the final round, I will follow the same process that I have been for the last three days.
“Honestly, the Hero Indian Open is a very important tournament for me and I want to win it because I have finished second over here four times.
“My next goal is to play in the Olympics, so if I manage to win here I will make the team.”
Pilkadaris had a day to forget.
The Australian began the round three shots clear of the chasing pack but could only sign for a one-over-par 73 — the only player not to score under par in the top 19 on Saturday — to drop back to second place.
Defending champion Lahiri (67) is in joint third place on 10 under, alongside countryman Rashid Khan (69).
Ireland's Paul Dunne hit four birdies on the way to a third round 71, that leaves him five under overall and nine off the lead.
