KUALA LUMPUR: Golfer Jared Du Toit placed himself in a strong position to become only the second Canadian to win the IRS Prima Malaysian Open after a stellar showing in the third round today.
Du Toit carded a nine-under 62 at The Mines Resort and Golf Club to take the overall lead on a three-day 17-under 196.
The 28-year-old from Calgary notched 10 birdies with a bogey on the 14th hole being the only blemish on his scorecard today.
Du Toit, who graduated from the Asian Tour Qualifying School last month, had nothing to complain about after carding one-under 70 on Thursday and seven-under 64 yesterday.
"You know, everything was working, it was just one of those days," said Du Toit.
"I got off to a nice start, made a nice birdie on the first hole and just kept it going. I hit a lot of quality shots on the smart side of the hole and the putter got hot for me.
"Probably the hole of my tournament was the bogey on 14, the par-three. I hit it in the water, did not hit a great wedge shot but made an 18 footer.
"That kept the momentum going. Just all in all a great day."
Du Toit, who enjoys Asian food, will be hoping to become only the second Canadian to win the Malaysian Open title after compatriot Rick Gibson who won it in 1991.
He, however, has little margin for error as Aussie Kevin Yuan is only a shot adrift in second.
Kevin, who carded three-under 68, cut back on the aggression today.
"It was a fun day out there, the pins were a little bit tougher, so I played a little bit more safe today," said Kevin.
"Overall, I am pretty happy with how I played, not too many huge mistakes. I am just looking forward to tomorrow."
American John Catlin, who also shot 68, is third (198) while South Korean Kim Bio, Australia's Deyen Lawson, Spain's David Puig and England's Steve Lawton are tied-fourth (199).
Malaysian duo Khavish Varadan and Ervin Chang are tied-14th (201) alongside India's Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, Italian Stefano Mazzoli, Thailand's Atiruj Winaicharoenchai and Philippines' Miguel Tabuena.
In addition to the US$1 million (RM4.78 million) prize purse, there is much more at stake for the players at the Malaysian Open.
The three leading finishers this weekend, who are not already exempted before the closing date for entries of The Open, will qualify to play in the tournament which will be held at Royal Troon on July 14-21.