Stage set for final-round dual at Volvo China Open

China's No. 1 Li Haotong and Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra remained deadlocked for a second-straight day atop the leaderboard during third-round play of the Volvo China Open on Saturday as each carded a two-under-par 69 to share a one-shot lead in Shanghai.

With both players on 12-under 201 at the $2.55 million tournament, a co-sponsored event between the DP World Tour and the China Tour, the two will play together again tomorrow in the final group of the 30th national championship at Enhance Anting Golf Club.

Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat shot a six-under 65 to move up the leaderboard to third. Finland's Tapio Pulkkanen, who led or had a share of the lead over the first two rounds, shot even-par 71 to sit equal fourth with China's Dou Zecheng (68) and German Yannik Paul (67) at two shots off the pace. England's Jordan Smith (67) was three shots back and a shot ahead of China's Wu Ashun (67) and Bai Zhengkai (67).

With three birdies over his first eight holes, Li, winner of the 2016 Volvo China Open, jumped to the top of the leaderboard at 13-under. After making the turn at three-under 32, the Hunan native dropped his first shot of the day when he made a bogey six at the 568-yard 10th hole. He would quickly rebound for a birdie three at the next before dropping another shot on the 12th hole. From there, he could only play par golf back to the clubhouse.

"It's kind of a strange day. I felt like everything's going my way until No. 10. Went into the wrong spot and still tried to be cute and ends up I lost some momentum a little bit. Just need to play better tomorrow," said Li, a winner in Qatar in February.

With a large gallery following his every move, Li said he enjoyed the support of the crowd.

"I know everyone is rooting for me so hopefully I deliver something special tomorrow … If I play my best golf no one else can catch me."