Anstiss on the cusp of first professional victory at Harewood Open

James Anstiss has emerged as the outright leader after another solid round of three-under par 69 in challenging conditions as he searches for his first professional victory at the Harewood Open.

The Christchurch born rookie professional mastered Canterburys typical easterly which he has known since a young age to lead by two shots over David Smail on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

He finished in clinical fashion to record two birdies in his last three holes (16 and 18) to earn the right to be at the top of a good looking leaderboard.

"These kinds of conditions tend to suit my game with my low ball flight, so its a great day if you can shoot under par in these conditions," said Anstiss who holds the 54-hole outright lead for the first time on the national circuit.

"This is my first time coming into the final round with a lead, so hopefully I can maintain that and hopefully the wind keeps blowing."

It would be a very fitting victory if he was to get over the line for the first time and at a course where he has so many fond memories.

"It would be awesome, I have always played quite well here, not just in the past few years but even when I was a youngster and its always nice to lift a trophy, but if I was to do it where I was born and on a course you like, it would be an amazing feeling."

Playing alongside Anstiss, Smail also made a much-needed birdie on the final hole to keep the margin to just two as he also tries to win on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour for the first time.

A further shot back is the 2014 Harewood Open champion, Ryan Chisnall who has found form of old to put himself in contention entering the final round. Making the turn he joined Anstiss in the lead, but was unable to keep up with the pace late in the day.

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Its dj vu in the womens field after Tara Raj left the Harewood Golf Club with another huge lead as she enters the final round with a six-shot advantage over Yoonjeong Huh.

This is the first time in her career that she has held the 54-hole lead and is one step closer to claiming her maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour victory.

A classic Christchurch easterly didnt allow a single player in the field to go under par, but the 15-year-old is excited about the opportunity ahead and knows what she must do to come out on top.

"Im feeling good and wish today would have gone a bit better, but feeling confident coming into tomorrow," said a positive Raj who shot a round of four-over 76.

To be leading on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour is a new experience for the Wanganui amateur who is determined to end the week on a high.

"Its a new experience, but Im just going to try focus on every shot and try and play my own game. Its nerve-racking as well, but hopefully tomorrow will be a good day. I have been practising hard, so its nice to see it all paying off.

Although her mum wasnt able to be here this week, it might just be the good luck charm that was required.

"This is the first event my mum hasnt come to, so I have been getting a lot of phone calls, but I would much rather her be here and everyone at home is watching and wishing me luck," beamed Raj.

The nearest threats in tomorrows final are Yoonjeong Huh and a further shot back is Caryn Khoo who know there is still a chance with the amount of shots dropped in todays wind.

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The final group will tee off at 9:30am for the womens field and 10:30am for the mens.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ