Chinese-Taipei's Lee Chieh-po stayed on course for a life-changing move to the LIV Golf League next season, with a seven-under third round in the LIV Golf Promotions event giving him a two-shot cushion going into the final 18 holes at Riyadh Golf Club.
The International Series Thailand champion, who received a first-round bye thanks to his win at the Thai Country Club in October, carded nine birdies and two bogeys for an impressive 64 and a healthy lead over nearest challenger Ollie Schniederjans at the halfway stage of the final day which will see the players complete a gruelling 36 holes.
There are just 18 holes now left for the final 20 players to make their move and book that one spot on the LIV Golf roster for the 2025 season.
Starting on 12 in the 7:15am shotgun start, Lee, who is known by the English name of Max, reeled off four birdies in six holes, before bogeying on 18.
He picked up another birdie and bogey on one and two, and after four straight pars he then carded another four birdies in his last five holes to take the outright lead.
Hong Kong's Taichi Kho is three shots adrift on four under, in a five-way tie for third which also includes Stinger GC's Branden Grace, with the South African looking to find his way back onto the roster following relegation this season.
Suteepat Prateeptienchai of Thailand is in eighth on three under while England's Steve Lewton is on two under. Both qualified for second-round byes as 2024 Asian Tour champions.
Ben Campbell, the highest ranked player on The International Series at three going into the tournament, has some work to do after finishing on level par with three birdies and three bogeys in his round.
Richard T Lee, the BNI Indonesian Masters champion, is on one over with Gunn Charoenkul of Thailand on four over after a disappointing morning.
Scott and Kieran Vincent both have it all to do as they go in search of a quick return to LIV Golf following relegation this season.
The 2022 International Series Rankings champion Scott is on one under, while younger brother Kieran sits on two over par.
While the winner will receive a life-changing golden ticket onto the LIV Golf League roster and $200,000, the top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into all 2025 events on The International Series schedule, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League
