europeantour.com Nicolas Colsaerts will take a one shot lead into the final round of the Volvo China Open as the Belgian seeks a first European Tour title at Luxehills International Country Club.
The big-hitting 28 year old produced a third round 66 to reach 18 under par in Chengdu, one stroke clear of Han Cheng-won.
Colsaerts was the second youngest player ever to come through The European Tour Qualifying School when he graduated on his 18th birthday in 2000, but he struggled to establish himself at the top level until last year – when he managed five top-ten finishes and finished 67th on The Race to Dubai.
He was also the longest hitter on Tour in 2010, out-driving the likes of Alvaro Quiros, and his power was on display in Chengdu as he played the four par fives in five under par courtesy of an eagle at the first and three birdies.
Han led after day one when he opened with a 64 but a second round 70 had dropped him out of the top ten.
The former Asian Amateur Champion was in top form once again though as he birdied five of his first seven holes en route to a best-of-the-day 65.
Irelands Peter Lawrie and France’s Grégory Havret, who unlike the leading pair have both won on The European Tour, are tied for third after both carded 68s to advance to 16 under.
Overnight leader Jamie Donaldson failed to capitalise on his sparkling 61 as the Welshman slipped to fifth with a 70, but 22 players are within six shots of lead on what promises to be an exciting final day
1 COLSAERTS, Nicolas -18 18 -6 65 67 66 - 198
2 HAN, Chang-won -17 18 -7 64 70 65 - 199
T3 LAWRIE, Peter -16 18 -4 68 64 68 - 200
T3 HAVRET, Grégory -16 18 -4 66 66 68 - 200
5 DONALDSON, Jamie -15 18 -2 70 61 70 - 201
T6 KJELDSEN, Søren -14 18 -6 65 71 66 - 202
T6 TOWNSEND, Aaron -14 18 -4 68 66 68 - 202
T6 HORNE, Keith -14 18 -2 63 69 70 - 202
T9 STOLZ, Andre -13 18 -5 68 68 67 - 203
T9 LEE, Danny -13 18 -3 66 68 69 - 203
T9 MORRISON, James -13 18 -3 65 69 69 - 203
T9 SINGH, Jeev Milkha -13 18 -1 66 66 71 - 203
Bryan Angus also on twitter @mummmbles
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