Jeong weon Ko will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the the B-NL Challenge Trophy by Hulencourt after posting a five under par round of 67 on day three at Hulencourt.
The Frenchman, who led by one overnight, maintained his lead as he reached 17 under par and moved one clear of German Alexander Knappe, who sits in second place on 16 under.
The 24-year-old’s two birdies on the front nine meant he made the turn at two under before an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys coming in put him in pole position ahead of the final round, where he is targeting a maiden European Challenge Tour title.
“It was a quite difficult start today,” he said. “My wedges were not on point, so I had to make my birdies on the par five. I had some great opportunities on the back nine and managed to make some birdies there so I’m pretty happy with my round.
“I’m very confident in my game at the moment and every part is performing. The wind was different to the other day so I had to adjust my strategy but I still felt comfortable out there.
“I’m not going to focus on the leaderboard tomorrow I will just play my game, adopt the same approach as today and hopefully by the end of the day I will still be at the top.”
Germany’s Allen John posted the low round of the day, a seven under 65, to move into third position alongside South African Bryce Easton on 15 under par.
Frenchman Robin Sciot-Siegrist, England’s Nathan Kimsey, Dutchman Davey Porsius and German Max Rottluff share fifth place on 14 under par, while seven players are a shot further back in ninth on 13 under, including Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin and Germany’s Dominic Foos.
The final round will get under way at 8:54am local time, with Ko teeing it up in the final group alongside Knappe and John at 11:00am.
