Lack of sleep and "more holes to play" did not stop golfer Gavin Green from having a good round at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday.
The Malaysian fired a one-under-par 70 for a three-day total of 216 at the par-71 Kasumigaseki Country Club.
The 28-year-old, who posted rounds of 74-72-70 for a three-over, played a total 22 holes yesterday, having to complete four holes left over from round two after play on Friday was called off due to severe storm warnings.
Gavin is in joint 58th spot with Puerto Rico's Rafael Campos. In today's final round, he will tee off alongside Campos and Czech Republic's Ondrej Lieser.
"Tiring and long day! I haven't got a chance to catch up on sleep due to the long drives to and from the course (one hour 15 minutes one way). 4am wake-up call and play 22 holes, so my body is really exhausted right now," said Gavin yesterday.
"Trying to get as much rest to give my all for the final round. I'm delighted with the score but then again there are parts of the game to improve."
Compared to his 2016 Rio Games debut, Gavin's game has matured. At the last Olympics, the European Tour golfer recorded rounds of 73-74-72-68 for a three-over 287 to finish 47th out of 60 players.
AFP reported that Xander Schauffele of the United States clung onto a slender lead but will be challenged for gold by a high-class chasing pack including Hideki Matsuyama and Rory McIlroy.
An epic final-round battle looks in prospect after second-round leader Schauffele carded a 68 to be on a 14-under 199, just ahead of Matsuyama, who carded a 67.
"To be honest it hasn't settled in just yet," said Matsuyama about playing in the final group of his home Olympics.
"But I'm going to focus on having fun and trying to play well."
Schauffele was not satisfied with the way he played, despite going into the final day in gold medal position.
"I hit my first fairway on (hole) eight. That summed up my day. I need to go hit the range," he said.