China's Yuxin Lin holds the slimmest of advantages after the third round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Wellington with Australians Min Woo Lee AND Shae Wools-Cobb hot on his tail.
Lin, who only turned 17 this month, is eight-under-par and holds a one-stroke lead over Western Australia's Lee and Chinese compatriot Andy Zhang tied at seven under.
It's another shot back to Queensland's Wools-Cobb alone in fourth after a third-round 71.
All are within striking range of clinching the biggest prize in amateur golf on Sunday, with the winner earning entry next year to the US Masters at Augusta and the British Open at Carnoustie.
Lee, younger brother of LPGA player Minjee Lee, admitted Saturday wasn't one of his better ball-striking days.
But he still managed an eagle at the par-5 fourth to help recover from a bogey on the par-5 second. Birdies at 14 and 18 helped offset bogeys at eight, 12 and 16.
"I felt like I had my 'C game' today, but I finished pretty well at even par," said the 19-year-old, who won last year's US Junior Amateur title.
"(Sunday), the strategy is the same as the last three days - to hit every fairway, hit every green.
"I just need to stay patient and be aggressive at the same time so, hopefully, those two things blend together.
"It's a course where you can go low if you can hit fairways. Then, you just need to hole some putts."
Lin will play with Lee for a second day but is with compatriot Zhang for the first time in a competitive event.
"Min Woo didn't hit it really well today and missed a few fairways, but he still shot even par," said Lin, who was the only amateur to make the cut in April's European Tour's Shenzhen International.
"I've played with Andy in a practice round, but not a real tournament. I'm looking forward to (Sunday), especially with three Chinese players challenging."
Lin arrived at Royal Wellington Golf Club as one of the lesser-known members of the China team. Four of his compatriots play college golf in the United States.
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