• CIMB Asia-Pacific Classic Malaysia, Round Three

Van Pelt holds slender lead in Malaysia

Bo Van Pelt has his eyes on the prize © Getty Images

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Leaderboard

Bo Van Pelt moved a shot clear at the top of the leaderboard at the Asia Pacific Classic after a sparkling back nine helped him to a four-under 67 on day three.

The American, whose only PGA Tour win to date was at the 2009 US Bank Championship, got off to a dreadful start when bogeying the opening two holes. However, he regrouped and responded with birdies at the third and fifth before his round really accelerated heading back to the clubhouse.

Four birdies, including a hat-trick from the 15th, proved key to his score as he moved to 16-under for the week - just out of reach of second-placed Jeff Overton.

"I just love to play to compete," Van Pelt said. "It's not about the money. That's what gets my juices flowing. Like my grandfather always told me, 'You can't take it with you.'

"I didn't make a big deal after bogeying the opening two holes. I told myself it wasn't the end of the world and just concentrated on playing my shots."

Fresh from breaking the course record with a stunning 62 on Friday, Overton followed up is heroics with a steady 69. The thrills of his second round may have been missing, but Overton produced a mature display, attacking when necessary and reining it in when the situation called for a cool head, and he will fancy his chances of overhauling Van Pelt with a final-day charge.

Three-time major winner Vijay Singh continued to shine, backing up his second-round 64 with a 66 to move to 11-under - where he is joined by Jason Dufner, who hit a 65, and Danny Chia (66).

Defending champion Ben Crane is still in with a chance of winning the $1.3 million top prize on offer, after carding a 68 to move to eight-under. Jhonattan Vegas will start the final round alongside Crane but a 72 may have left its mark.

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