Marc Leishman is outright third going into the final round of the Tournament of Champions at Kapalua resort in Hawaii, but he needs a low round to catch leader Gary Woodland of the United States.
Only Woodland (17-under) and Rory McIlroy (14-under) are ahead of the Australian through three rounds after he carded a 68 today.
Leishman will need to make up four shots to draw level with Woodland, who drained a 20-metre eagle putt in his third-round 68.
‘‘When you’re trying to play for a trophy, it’s not easy to defend leads,’’ Leishman told AAP’s Evin Priest after the third round.
‘‘It’s been years since I’ve driven it this well and, hopefully, I can drive it like that tomorrow. I will need to because Gary is playing great golf, then Rory is just behind him and, as big hitters, they are likely to make a lot of birdies.’’
The other Australian in the elite field, Jason Day, saw his chances evaporate with a third-round 75 today.