Hideki Matsuyama of Japan maintained his three-stroke lead over defending champion Russell Knox of Scotland by posting a bogey-free 4-under 68 in the third round of the WGC-HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.
The 24-year-old Matsuyama, a two-time PGA Tour winner who captured the Japan Open two weeks ago, has made 23 birdies in the first three rounds to get to 17-under 199 overall.
“The first two days, making lots of birdies (19), it’s a lot of fun,” said Matsuyama, who is No. 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking. “But today, when you’re in a position to win, playing smart and making no bogeys was very satisfying for me.
“Everyone is so good. I know I’m going to have to make some birdies. But I think the key for tomorrow’s round will be not making any bogeys.”
Knox, who won twice on the PGA Tour last season, carded a 68. He hit into the water on the par-5 14th hole and seemed headed for a bogey but made a long putt to save par.
“After hitting in the water on 14, to make a massive putt for par was huge,” Knox said. “Those little moments are what add up in a tournament. Could have been a lot worse.”
Daniel Berger, the 2015 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, is four shots back after a 67, including four straight birdies on the back nine.
Francesco Molinari shot a 68 and was five behind in a tie for fourth with Bill Haas, who had a 70, while Rickie Fowler also had a 68 was seven back in a tie for sixth with Ross Fisher of England, who came in at 69.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland made two late birdies in a 70 and was eight shots behind in a tie for eighth with Shane Lowry (65) of Ireland, Thomas Pieters (66) of Belgium, Henrik Stenson (67) of Sweden, Xinjun Zhang of (70) of China and Matt Kuchar (68), who had a hole in one on the par-3 17th.
