PHNOM PENH, March 16, 2012 (AFP) - South Korea's Kim Hyung-sung played through searing heat to pull one shot clear of Irishman Niall Turner in the third round of the inaugural Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic on Friday.
Kim, 31, the joint overnight leader, battled to a four-under-par 68 at the sun-baked Angkor Golf Resort to lead on 15-under-par 201.
Turner stayed hot on his playing partner's heels with five birdies against a lone bogey for a 68 as the duo continued their chase for a maiden victory in the Asian Tour.
Filipino Elmer Salvador reeled in four straight birdies after the turn for a 68 and a share of third place, four off the lead, alongside Thailand's Thanyakon Khrongpha.
"I feel good about tomorrow and I'll need to keep my focus which is tough. It's so hot out there," said Kim, according to an Asian Tour press release.
Despite his lead, the Korean missed numerous birdie chances, which led to 30 putts during his round.
"I was missing many putts from around nine or 10 feet. The greens are bit grainy which makes it hard for me," he said.
"I'm just going to enjoy my game tomorrow and try to keep the ball in play."
Turner, 28, kept pace with the leader as they matched each other birdie for birdie.
"I was trying to catch him all day. He played great. If he plays the same tomorrow it'll be hard to catch him," said Turner, who is playing in his second season in Asia.
Thanyakon, 21, knows he needs a massive effort to overcome a four-shot deficit. But he will take confidence from his 50-foot monster putt on the 15th hole.
"I have to do better tomorrow to have a chance," he said.
"I won't be nervous. I'll be just thinking of putting on a good score."
Leading scores after the third round of the $300,000 Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic at the par-72 Angkor Golf Resort on Thursday.
201 - Kim Hyung-Sung (KOR) 68-65-68.
202 - Niall Turner (IRL) 67-67-68.
205 - Elmer Salvador (PHI) 68-69-68, Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 71-66-68.
206 - Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 69-68-69, Baek Seuk-Hyun (KOR) 66-71-69.
207 - Dodge Kemmer (USA) 70-69-68.
208 - David Lipsky (USA) 73-68-67, Sam Cyr (USA) 70-70-68, Pablo Herreria (ESP) 71-68-69.