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Dasmarinas, Aug 17 (IANS) Local hope Antonio Lascuna fired a five-under-par 67 Friday to clinch a one-shot lead over Australian Scott Barr in Round 3 of the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship here in the Philippines. Lascuna battled from a four-shot deficit with a flawless round highlighted by an eagle-three where he holed his four-iron approach shot from 200 yards on the sixth hole at the Orchard Golf and Country Club. Overnight leader Barr shot a 72 for second place while Rufino Bayron and Peter Richardson of England, third on the Order of Merit, were a further three and four shots off the pace respectively in the US $60000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event. Lam Zhiqun of Singapore shot the best score of the week with a 63 to surge into contention and share fifth place with George Thacker of England. Lascuna, who finished second at the Aboitiz Invitational in Cebu last week, said he could have gone lower if not for four lipped out birdies. "My driving was very good. As for my putting, it was okay except for those missed birdie opportunities. I'm excited to have the lead heading to the final round. I'll be going for it (title)," said Lascuna, who totalled 11-under-par 205. Barr found it difficult reading the greens which resulted in five birdies against as many bogeys. "The pin placements were difficult and that added to my putting woes," said Barr. Bayron shot a second consecutive three-under-par 69 to move up to solo third on 208. "I'm not expecting to win but it is surprising that I am right up there. There's going to be a lot of pressure to be paired in the championship flight," he said. Lam shot 11 birdies against two bogeys capped by birdies on his opening three holes and closing four holes to give himself a chance of winning his first professional victory. The Singaporean teed off from the 10th tee and was 13 shots off the pace at the start. "This is the best round I had since turning professional! I birdied the first three holes and never looked back," tweeted Lam. The ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship is the eighth leg of the ADT this season. Leading third round scores 205 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 67-71-67 206 - Scott Barr (AUS) 66-68-72 208 - Rufino Bayron (PHI) 70-69-69 209 - Peter Richardson (ENG) 72-70-67 210 - Lam Zhiqun (SIN) 74-73-63, George Thacker (ENG) 66-71-73 211 - Quincy Quek (SIN) 69-68-74, Ryan Bullock (AUS) 69-67-75 213 - Elmer Salvador (PHI) 71-71-71, Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN) 68-72-73 214 - Kim Gi-whan (KOR) 72-70-72, Lin Kuan-po (TPE) 72-69-73 215 - Gerald Rosales (PHI) 74-69-72
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