Brody Ninyette moved to the top of the Perth International leaderboard going into the final round after a 67 moved him to eight under par. Ninyette struck seven birdies to finish five under for the round and replace Peter Hedblom at the top of the leaderboard on Saturday. The Australian is now one shot clear of compatriot Brett Rumford, South Korea&aposs Jin Jeong and Denmark&aposs JB Hansen, although it was Rumford who performed best in the third round as he equalled the course record of 65 to move within touching distance of the lead. The 36-year-old – who is eighth in the Race for Dubai – started his round at the tenth and birdied four of his first six holes to reach the turn in 32. Four more birdies followed on his back nine but it could have been even better after he went agonisingly close to chipping in from the bunker at the sixth – his 15th hole. A par at the last would have seen five-time European Tour winner Rumford card a new course record, but he three-putted for his only bogey of the day. “The greens were receptive with the wedges, and my wedge game was great today,” he said. “It was a mixed bag of everything that was working well. It’s disappointing to have three putted the last, no doubt about it, but obviously my mind set, playing so well, was too aggressive on the last. “It was nice to get out there and just to play some nice golf. “I&aposve got myself in position to win; I&aposll be working hard and that&aposs what I&aposll be focusing on for the next 24 hours.” Meanwhile, former leader Hedblom saw his hopes of earning a European Tour card for next season fade as he went round in 75 on Saturday – a showing that puts him back to four-under par and four shots behind Ninyette. The Swede needs to win in Australia to ensure a place on the 2014 calendar, and will need a much-improved final round on Sunday to do so.
Author: Omnisport