Sabbatini holds narrow advantage at Australian PGA

South African Rory Sabbatini will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Australian PGA Championship today.

The world No. 11 emerged from yesterday's third round holding a narrow advantage after it looked as though six players would enter the final day with a share of the top spot.

But Sabbatini holed his 16th birdie of the tournament at the final hole to take the outright lead on 14 under par 202 after rounds of 68-67-67.

He leads a group of five players one shot back including two-time PGA winner Peter Lonard (66-69-68), American Jason Gore (70-69-64), Australians Adam Bland (68-70-75) and Michael Sim (65-73-65), and New Zealander David Smail (67-69-67).

Australia's world No. 6 Adam Scott (67-67-72) fought back from a triple bogey mid-round to keep alive his hopes of claiming his first Australian victory to be four shots off Sabbatini's lead at 10 under.

"I'm happy that I have broken the deadlock which should make it interesting for tomorrow," Sabbatini said.