Macao: Australian Scott Hend took charge of the Macao Open by carding a masterful seven-under-par 64 in the third round on Saturday to set up another final day shoot out with India's Anirban Lahiri.

The 2013 champion struck two eagle threes during his third round in the Chinese gambling enclave on Saturday to move onto 15-under and two clear of defending champion Lahiri, who pipped the Australian to the title last year.

The Indian, who had a difficult debut at the President's Cup last week, produced an eagle two to go with two birdies in his round of 68 as he looks for his third win on the Asian Tour this year.

“We had a great time last year. Two years back, he was way ahead and I almost chased him down. Last year I managed to chase him down. He’s probably been waiting for this for a full year. I think we’ll both be ready for it,” Lahiri said.

Lahiri’s compatriots Chiragh Kumar and Rashid Khan were also on the tail of 42-year-old big-hitting Hend.
Kumar fired a three-under 69 to sit alone on third on 11-under with Khan a further shot back in a tie for fourth with Australian Sam Brazel after a 68.

At seven-under were SSP Chowrasia (68), who had a double bogey on par-5 13th hole besides six birdies and another bogey, Rahil Gangjee (71), who had four birdies, two bogeys and a double on a testing day.

Gaganjeet Bhullar and Abhijeet Chadha, both shot even par 71 to be five-under in tied 22nd place. Jyoti Randhawa (71) was tied 48th at even par 213.

Hend soared on the wings of two eagles to shoot a seven-under-par 64 and opened up a three-shot lead. Winner in 2013, Hend eagled the par five second and 18th holes, the last with a lengthy 30-foot putt, at the Macau Golf and Country Club to set up a repeat of last year’s final day shootout with world No. 39 Lahiri.

Lahiri’s struggles on the greens continued as he needed 30 strokes with his putter. He chipped in for eagle on eight and then picked up two more shots with tap-ins on 14 and 16.

“I’m glad I hit it to six inches on 14 and six inches on 16. That was the only way I could get the ball into the hole,” said the 28-year-old Lahiri, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour and looking for a third title for the year.  

(Agencies)