India's rising golfer S. Chikka extended his bogey-free streak to 54 holes after signing for a six-under 66 to share the penultimate round lead with local hero Lin Wen-tang at the $150,000 Charming Yeangder on Saturday.
Chikka, chasing for a third victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and a first outside of India, fired six birdies to lead by two shots on 17-under 199 alongside Lin, who returned with a flawless 65, at the National Golf and Country Club.
ADT Order of Merit 2014 champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand matched Chikka's efforts for the day to sit in third place on his own while compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai (65) and American Johannes Veerman (68) shared fourth on 203.
Chikka was delighted to maintain his hot streak where he set a new personal record by not dropping a single shot after 54 holes.
"I am really happy with this new record. It has been going really well for me. I hope I can continue the good run tomorrow. I am hitting it good and putting it good. It's going to be another day for me. Hopefully I can have another big round again," said the 22-year-old Bengalurean.
"I really enjoyed playing with Lin. I learnt a lot from him. The weather was so good and I just had so much fun out there. Lin and I were playing shot by shot and we made birdies after birdies. It was a great experience playing alongside such an accomplished golfer like Lin," added Chikka.
Lin, who opened his campaign with a 63, credited his hot putter for a flawless round which put him back on track for a third victory on the region's burgeoning Tour.