RYE, Australia, 21 December 2003 — Overnight leader Chris Downes held a one-stroke lead over US Open runner-up Stephen Leaney after the third round of the Australian Open yesterday.

Downes, 23, recovered from a doublebogey five on the par-three 11th hole to card a 71 for a three-round total of eight-underpar 208 at the new Moonah Links par-72 course, about 100 km south of Melbourne.

Leaney fired four birdies in a faultless round of 68 to reach seven-under-par 209, a shot ahead of a pack of seven players including 2001 Australian Open winner and world No. 14 Stuart Appleby, who also had a 68.

Former US Amateur champion Ricky Barnes, 22, is equal third after an even-par 72 as is defending Australian Open champion Steve Allan, who had a 72.

Steven Conran with a 68, Matthew Millar who had a 69, Peter Lonard with a 70 and Craig Jones who also fired a 70 joined the trio on six-under-par 210.

“It was pleasing to bounce back like I did today,” Downes told a news conference.

Leaney said he would be drawing on his experience of finishing second to Jim Furyk at this year’s US Open.

“I am going to be nervous like I am in most tournaments but it is nice to have that week in the back of my mind,” the Western Australian said.

Goda Maintains Grip in Okinawa Open

Japan’s Hiroshi Goda birdied the last hole to earn a one-stroke lead yesterday after the third round of the $910,000 Okinawa Open and set up a showdown with golf great Jumbo Ozaki.

Nine years ago, Goda notched a famous playoff victory over Ozaki in the 1994 Japan PGA Championship for his only career victory and the 39-year-old is looking forward to a repeat performance.

Goda, the joint second round leader, carded a battling four-under-par 68 at Southern Links Golf Club, thanks to a strong back nine which included an eagle and three birdies.

His three-day total of nine-under-par 207 kept him ahead of second-placed Tsuyoshi Yoneyama, who also carded a 68.

Ozaki birdied four of his last five holes en route to a 67 to earn his place in the final group today.

He is two behind Goda in the event jointly sanctioned by the Asian PGA Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

The Okinawa Open is the opening event for the 2004 season for both circuits.

After yesterday’s round, Goda’s shoulder acted up but a good night’s sleep recharged his batteries. He started well with birdies on the second and third hole but dropped three strokes soon after to make the turn in one-over.

Goda bounced back strongly, knocking in birdies on 10 and 12 before picking up an eagle three on 14. He struck a wedge to four feet of the flag at 18 for birdie.

Even at 56, Ozaki still looms as a large threat. After swapping two birdies against as many bogeys through 10, he caught fire late in his round, birdieing 14, 15, 16 and 18.

Korea’s Ted Oh was the Asian PGA’s leading player in equal sixth place following a 71 but he was disappointed to drop three bogeys on his inward nine. He trails the leader by four shots.