Japan’s Kazuki Higa took the third-round lead at the Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea on Saturday, setting the stage for a thrilling final round. The 2022 champion fired a seven-under-par 65, highlighted by four consecutive birdies on the back nine from the 14th hole, to reach 14-under for the event at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, the Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, sits solo second after also carding a 65. Canada’s Richard T. Lee, Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, and Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut and Danthai Boonma follow closely after rounds of 66.

Higa’s masterclass on the back nine

“I think today was pretty much a perfect round,” Higa said. “I had one bogey, but that was because my drive went left and ended up right next to a tree root—it was unplayable. Even then, I managed to give myself a par chance, so overall, it was a stress-free round.”

At 158 cm tall, Higa is one of the shortest players on tour, but his powerful game shone on the closing holes. Despite one bogey, he recorded eight birdies, including five on the back nine.

“I’ll try not to force anything tomorrow and focus on how the others in my group are playing. Since the leaderboard is tight, a lot of players will have a shot at winning. I just want to manage my game well and avoid any mistakes that could cost me the lead,” Higa added.

Vincent, Lee, and Kho in contention

Vincent, who previously won the International Series Morocco, matched Higa’s 65 and continues to show his return to form after two seasons on the LIV Golf League. “Tee to green was strong, and I gave myself a lot of chances,” he said. “The challenge is to keep playing freely and not get caught up in the score.”

Lee, who triumphed in this event in 2017 and won the Indonesian Masters last year, posted a flawless round of 65. “It was softer today after the rain, the greens were slower, and I stuck my shots close and made my putts,” Lee said. He is currently second on the Korean PGA Tour rankings this season after a win and two runner-up finishes.

Kho, the Hong Kong number one, birdied four of the last five holes to position himself for a potential second Asian Tour title. “I know my golf is good at a high level, so I trust myself to do that and am looking forward to it,” he said. Kho is currently fifth on the Order of Merit after a runner-up finish at the Mandiri Indonesia Open and a win at the 2023 World City Championship.

Tomorrow’s final round promises a tightly contested battle for the title, with Higa, Vincent, Lee, and Kho all in striking distance.