BEIJING: Japanese star Hiroyuki Fujita broke away from the chasing pack in the third round at the Beijing Open after firing an even-par 72 under tough conditions yesterday.

The Fukuoka-born leader battled through the wind swept conditions at Pine Valley Golf Club for a six-stroke advantage over the elite field.

Thai young gun Chinnarat Phadungsil eagled the par-five 13th on the way to a 76 in a tie for second spot with Shinichi Yokota who shot a 69.

Compatriot Shintaro Kai was even par for the day alongside Thailand's Chapchai Nirat and Prayad Marksaeng who carded a 68 and 72 respectively in joint fourth place.

Fijian Dinesh Chand recorded his second straight 69 also in a tie for fourth place alongside England's Simon Griffiths who was even-par for the day for a 211 total.
Overnight leader Fujita, a five-time winner on the domestic circuit, posted a 72 on a day where scores tumbled due to the windy conditions at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

"The wind was extremely strong and I tried to stay even-par. I am definitely very happy with my current position at the top. But it is expected to rain tomorrow (today) so I will adopt a safe approach," said the 39-year-old Fujita, who produced a total of 12-under 204 in the US$1 million event sanctioned for the first time by the Japan Golf Tour alongside the Asian Tour and China Golf Association.

Yokota, 36, was five-under through 17 holes but endured a late double bogey at the closing 18th for a 69.

"My putting was good today (yesterday) despite the strong wind which made it even more difficult on the greens. It was a disappointing finish though as I struck a wayward drive on the 18th hole and was four on before I two putted for a double bogey."

Chinnarat, with two top finishes on the Asian Tour, kept his title hopes alive when he holed an eagle at the 13th for a 76.

Leading scores, 3rd rd: 204 Hiroyuki Fujita (Jpn) 67-65-72; 210 Shinichi Yokota (Jpn) 71-70-69, Chinnarat Phadungsil (Tha) 65-69-76; 211 Chapchai Nirat (Tha) 75-68-68, Dinesh Chand (Fiji) 73-69-69, Simon Griffiths (Eng) 71-68-72, Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) 69-70-72, Shintaro Kai (Jpn) 71-68-72; 212 Koumei Oda (Jpn) 70-73-69, Gavin Flint (Aus) 73-70-69, Katsunori Kuwabara (Jpn) 68-69-75, Nobuhiro Masuda (Jpn) 70-67-75, Gary Simpson (Aus) 72-65-75. -- AFP