US-based Stuart Appleby was one of the few players to master the tricky conditions at the Australian Open today to charge within striking distance of his first win in more than two years.
The 30-year-old Australian, recovered from a virus that weakened him during last week's Australian PGA in Brisbane, fired a four-under-par 67 for a seven-under 206 to share the third round lead with overnight leader Scott Laycock (71) of Australia.
Victory for Appleby would help erase memories of his 1998 Australian Open when he finished equal second in Adelaide.
South African world No.4 Ernie Els carded a disappointing 73 here but is in contention at three off the pace.
Geoff Ogilvy (71-65-74) is a stroke further back, while Rod Pampling had four bogeys on the back nine to card a third round 75 and be five behind the leaders.
They are the only players to be under-par with Sunday's round remaining.
Denmark's leading player and one of the pre-tournament favourites Thomas Bjorn carded a 70 to be even par to trail by seven shots.
Appleby, four strokes off the pace after his two rounds of 69 and 70, was one of just eight players to break par at a hot and windswept Grand course which offered fast, hard greens.
His consistency this week can be measured by his three sub-par rounds - the only player to achieve the feat here - although he did triple-bogey the par-5 12th on the opening day.
His third round score was two shots better than the next lowest round and contained four birdies, including three on the inward nine, and no bogeys.
He made his move with a birdie on the par-4 fourth and emerged through the pack with birdies on the par-4 10th, par-4 13th and par-5 17th.
Appleby spent hours on the practice fairway last weekend after missing the cut at the Australian PGA in an attempt to regain his touch.
Appleby has had a fruitless time on this year's US PGA Tour and is striving for his first tournament victory since claiming the 1999 Houston Open - his third US PGA Tour triumph following victories at the 1997 Honda Classic and the 1998 Kemper Open.
The Open winner will be granted automatic entry into next year's World Golf Championships (WCG) - NEC Invitational at the Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.
AFP