Ernie Els will have to come from behind in the final round of the Venetian Macau Open after Australian Scott Hend pulled four shots clear with a blistering eight under par 63.
Big-hitting Hend charged up the leaderboard with an eagle, seven birdies against a lone bogey to reach 12 under par.
Four-time Major winner Els battled to a 69 despite a hot start when he birdied two of his opening three holes, while overnight leader Siddikur got his wish of playing with the Big Easy after a 70 for a 205 aggregate.
Els started strongly with birdies on two and three but failed to ride on the early momentum, with dropped shots on 14 and 16 preventing him from getting closer to Hend.
But a birdie on 18 ensured him a spot in the final match with Hend and Siddikur.
“That was important – it’s great to play in the last threeball, see what the leader does first-hand,” said Els.
“You just hope you get off to a good start and he doesn't, and you're in the game. Or, you've got to have a hot finish. So there's a lot of golf left.
“I felt I was a bit off here and there. I've got to go low tomorrow. It seems like Scott is playing really good. I played with him the first two rounds, and he had a tough start the first day, but since then, he's been on fire. I feel good for the challenge tomorrow. For some reason, I feel I've got a good chance.”
