A reformed and resurgent Ryan Peake is in pole position to claim his second prestigious New Zealand professional golf title in little more than a year after seizing the outright lead at the inaugural Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland.
But last year's NZ Open champion has a long list of contenders close behind heading into the final round, including Kazuma Kobori, the highest-ranked Kiwi in the field.
Reaffirming his belief his game is in great shape, Peake carded a five-under-par 67 on Saturday to claim a two-shot lead at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, at 13 under overall.
His closest challengers are fellow Australian James Marchesani, who posted a 66, and Kobori, whose late rush lifted him to a 67.
