Incheon [KOREA]: Malaysian star Gavin Kyle Green grinded out a third round one-under-par 70 to take a slender shot lead over the chasing pack at the Shinhan Donghae Open on Saturday.

The Malaysian, who is chasing his Asian Tour breakthrough this week, traded five birdies against four bogeys to compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 205 on a windy day at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Jarin Todd of the United States rued a costly double-bogey at the last which caused him to slip to a share of second place with Korea’s Hyungseok Seo, Giwhan Kim and Seungtaek Lee.

Green started off promisingly with a birdie on the par-five second. He dropped two shots on four and five but recovered quickly with another pair of birdies on holes six and seven.

He then mixed his card with two birdies and two bogeys in his inward nine for a 70 and sole possession of the lead at the KRW1.2 billion (approximately US$1.06 million) event which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Korean PGA.

“It was one of those grinding days where I really got to hang in there and take my chances when they come. I didn’t hit the ball as well as yesterday and my game plan was to make more putts.

“The winds were swirling which made play difficult. But I was grinding it out there and trying to make some pars and fortunately, I also got a couple of birdies,” shared Green.

Currently fifth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Green knows that he needs to seal the deal after twice finishing second in India and Chinese Taipei.

“I got to stay really patient tomorrow because there are so many good players behind me and anything can happen. I’ve been in this position a couple of times already and I know it’s going to take a lot of patience and keeping the faith in myself,” he noted.

Ben Leong, who is also in action this week, slipped down the leaderboard after a round of two-over 73. The Sabahan sits in a share for 20th on two-under 211.