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NEW ZEALAND OPEN

England's Richard Finch shot an eight-under 64 yesterday to take a three-stroke lead after three rounds of the New Zealand Open.

Finch had nine birdies and one bogey on the par-72 Hills layout to sweep past the overnight leader, Australian Steve Bowditch, who ended the day in second place after a 71. Finch has a three-round total of 14-under 202.

Australian veteran Peter Fowler, a former New Zealand Open champion, shot a 10-under 62 to move into third place, four strokes back of Finch.

The New Zealand Open is co-sanctioned by the Australasian and European Tours and Finch, 30, has had only one previous top-10 finish in Europe this year.

Bowditch held the lead early yesterday at 11-under, but a triple bogey at the par-five ninth cost him momentum. He eventually recovered his poise and birdied the 12th, 13th and 14th holes.

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