MACAU: Defending champion Scott Hend battled to a four-under-par 67 in the third round of the Macau Open on Saturday, racing two shots clear of Anirban Lahiri to put a second straight title within his sights.

The Australian produced three birdies over his closing six holes at the Macau Golf and Country Club, while India’s Lahiri carded a solid bogey-free 67 for second place at the $900,000 Asian Tour event.

But long-hitting Hend — who is chasing a seventh Asian Tour victory after winning the Hong Kong Open last week — was not satisfied with his performance, pronouncing it “flat.”

“Hopefully I can come back tomorrow and feel a little more energy and concentrate better,” said the 41-year-old, who leads on 14-under-par 199.

“I’m just feeling flat, extremely flat.”

Hend started off in brilliant form, nailing four successive birdies from the second hole. But he lost concentration with three bogeys over a five-hole stretch mid-round, before streaking ahead again with birdies on 13, 15 and 18.

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat took the day’s best round of 64 for third on the leaderboard.

South Africa’s Ernie Els, the tournament’s star attraction, was lagging behind on 211, two-under-par.

Olesen carves out three-shot lead in Perth

In Perth, Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark appeared set to end a two-year trophy drought by carving out a three-stroke lead after the penultimate round of the Perth International on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who won his first and only European Tour title in Sicily two years ago, carded a five-under-par 67 in the third round for a total of 16-under.

South Korean Kim Si-hwan, who is fighting to keep his European Tour card, was on 13-under followed by England’s James Morrison at third, a further stroke behind.

“I tried to go out there and be aggressive like I did the first two days, but I didn’t have the game today,” said Olesen, who mixed six birdies with a bogey on Saturday.

“I didn’t feel good — I was struggling out there. I made some great up and downs to keep it going.

“It was a fight all the way through, but I still had fun and I was fighting all the way. Five under is a great score today.

“It’s been a couple of years since I won, so definitely I’ll feel the nerves. I’ve been in contention in big tournaments and I know how it feels. But it’ll be great to get that victory, so it’ll definitely be on my mind.”

Kim, who needs a top-two finish to retain his playing right for next year, will look to emulate his friend and compatriot Jin Jeong, who won the title last year.

“It’s quite funny how last year Jin didn’t have any status anywhere and ends up winning this tournament and he has status on the European Tour,” said Kim, who signed off for a 69 in the third round.

“I’m going to have dinner with him tonight and I’m pretty sure he’s got something to say.”