Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines charged into the joint halfway lead with Australian Scott Hend at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday.
The sweet-swinging Pagunsan, whose confidence skyrocketed after claiming a breakthrough victory in Indonesia in October, fired a near flawless seven-under-par 65 while Hend enjoyed a welcome return to form with a 67.
The duo lead the US$750,000 Asian Tour finale with a two-day total of nine-under-par 135.
New Zealander Mark Brown and overnight leader Scott Strange of Australia lie in equal third place a stroke back after a 66 and 71 respectively.
Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, who needs to win to have a chance of lifting the UBS Order of Merit crown ahead of leader Liang Wen-chong of China, gave himself a chance with a 69 and is five off the lead going into today's round.
Liang shot a 71 for a share of 27th place on 143.
Pagunsan wielded a hot putter at the Thai Country Club, needing only 22 putts en route to eight birdies.
His lone blemish came at the closing 18th hole when he missed the green.
"I hit it really good today and drove it well. I think the key was also my putting which was really good," said Pagunsan, last year's Rookie of the Year.
"After winning in the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitation, my confidence is really high. It was a big help in my career. I trust myself and I will try to play well again for the next two days here," he said.
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