Charles Porter showed the patience of a monk to hold on to his lead at the Yeangder TPC on Saturday, carding a two-under-par 70 to finish 54 holes at 14-under 202. The American’s advantage has narrowed, with Japan’s Kazuki Higa just two shots back after a late surge at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.

Porter, 26, looked set to run away with the US$1 million event after two early birdies in his first four holes. But he was forced to rely heavily on his short game down the stretch, making 14 consecutive pars to stay ahead. “I’d describe the round as rickety. I hit it all over the place and then hit some really impressive recovery shots and chip shots. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would have shot a few over, to be honest,” Porter said.

Higa surges late to close the gap

Higa, sponsored by Yeangder, closed strongly with birdies on the last two holes to post a 67 and reach 12-under. The Okinawa native, a graduate of Tohoku Fukushi University like Japan’s first major winner Hideki Matsuyama, is chasing his 11th international title and a second straight victory on the Asian Tour.

“Really happy with the good finish,” Higa said. “I struggled with my tee shots today, but still managed to make six birdies. Tomorrow I will need to focus more on putting the ball in play, and then I should be able to make more birdies.”

Local fans had plenty to cheer for as 17-year-old amateur Hsieh Cheng-wei continued his remarkable run with a second straight 67. He eagled the opening hole and added five birdies to join Australia’s Travis Smyth, who also shot 67, in a share of third at 12-under.

Contenders keep pressure on

Defending champion Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand remains in the hunt at 11-under after a 68, joined by compatriot Chonlatit Chuenboonngam, who carded a 67. Smyth, meanwhile, remains in position for another strong finish at Linkou, where he won in 2022. “I didn’t play great, but I putted great and that helped the score a lot,” Smyth said after making seven birdies.

Hsieh, who will play for Arizona State University, said his familiarity with the course gave him confidence. “The results have been very good these three days. My accuracy and distance control are very good,” he said. “Hopefully, I can use what I’ve learned tomorrow.”

With Porter holding a slim lead and Higa, Smyth, Hsieh, and others pressing close behind, the Yeangder TPC is set for a dramatic final round on Sunday.