Shenzhen: Benjamin Hebert of France carded a "crazy" back nine in 28 shots on Saturday to seize control of the 25th Volvo China Open in Shenzhen as overnight leader Wu Ashun wobbled.
The Frenchman, who had started on nine-under after his first two rounds, seemed out of sorts as he reached the turn in level par for the day after a bogey at the ninth and was six shots adrift of Wu.
But three birdies in the next four holes moved him up the leaderboard before a spectacular birdie, birdie, eagle, birdie finish saw him open a three-stroke advantage at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen.
"That's golf. What a crazy game!" he told AFP. "I played very badly in the front nine. I didn't feel very well in my swing.
"I just tried to keep focused on what I'm doing and I found my rhythm so I'm happy."
The best-of-the-week round of eight-under 64 took the 32-year-old to 17-under par for the tournament
Finland's Mikko Korhonen, who shot 65, and last week's Morocco winner Jorge Campillo (68) are sharing second on 14-under.
"I have been patient, I was patient all day today and I'll try to keep up tomorrow," said Korhonen. "It might be a wet day so patience will be the key once again."
In-form Campillo won on the European Tour for the first time a week ago and is firmly in the hunt for back-to-back triumphs.
"I hope to use my experience from last week to win," Campillo said. "But if Benjamin plays like he did today, then it's tough. Hopefully I have a chance."
Hebert will seek his maiden European Tour victory when he goes out in the final group with Korhonen and Campillo at 9.21am local time today in an early start forced by the threat of storms later in the day.
"It's my first time leading after 54 holes and we'll see," said Hebert. "It's going to be a very early start so hopefully we'll have some good conditions."