US PGA star Matt Kuchar will take a two shot lead into today's final round of the Fiji International at the picturesque Natadola Bay course, near Sigatoka.
The world number 16 showed his composure in trying conditions as he went under par for the first time in the tournament. He leads by two, at one-under, from Australian Aron Price who also shot a three-under 69.
Kiwi Ryan Fox, paired with Kuchar for the third consecutive round, shot 73 to be seven shots behind in fourth place. Fox started well enough and was one under through his first nine holes, before two bogeys on 10 and 12 slowed his momentum.
Auckland-based Brad Shilton was the biggest mover among the New Zealanders, finishing in fifth place at seven over. Following rounds of 77 and 76, Shilton had five birdies and one bogey on his card as he stood on the 18th tee eyeing up a 68 and a chance to move into third place. But he hit his tee shot into the bunker left, caught too much sand with his second, then hit his approach short into the breeze, chipped up and missed the putt for a disappointing double bogey finish.
Despite the late mishap, Shilton says he would have happily signed for a two-under 70 at the start of the day.
