Chinese Taipei: Defending champion Hung Chien-yao kept the flag flying for Chinese Taipei when he fired a third round six-under-par 65 to claim the outright lead at the 14th ADT Chang Hwa Open on Saturday.

The highly-rated 21-year-old compiled a three-day total of 11-under-par 202 to lead by five shots over compatriot Liu Yu-jui, who returned with an even par, in the US$120,000 event, which is the richest on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) schedule this season.

Canadian Lindsay Renolds equalled the course record of 64 for third place with overnight co-leader Lien Chi-wei and two-time Asian Tour winner Tsai Chi-huang of Chinese Taipei, who signed for rounds of 72 and 69 respectively, at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.

Lin Wen-hong, brother of local veteran Wen-tang, totaled 209 for sixth place while another four players, including ADT winner Chan Shih-chang and Australian Adam Blyth, stayed a further shot back in tied seventh.

Hung, who claimed victory in the 13th edition back in 2011, is hoping for a repeat win after his magical performance today. The event was not staged in 2012.

“I put more thoughts in my game today. I think I played smart and I made better judgements. It was raining towards the last few holes but it didn’t really affect me. Overall, I’m happy with how I played,” said the talented 21-year-old, who made 27 putts.

Hung, who earned his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year, insists that he will not take his five-shot lead for granted.

“I’ll take things in my stride tomorrow. Golf is a game that is very hard to predict. I’ll just have to do my best and work harder. Hopefully things will turn out good for me!” added Hung.

Overnight co-leader Liu was disappointed for not giving himself enough chances to score but is determined to put in his best for the final round tomorrow.

“My round was neither good nor bad today. I can’t complain because I’m still in contention. I will try not to give myself too much pressure tomorrow and just enjoy myself out there,” said the 22-year-old amateur.

Renolds, who fired eight birdies against one bogey to sign for the day’s lowest round, gave credit to his hot putter for his commanding performance.

“My putting was excellent today and everything was going my way. I didn’t really make any mistakes too. Honestly, I didn’t think it was achievable breaking the course record. The conditions are just too tough,” said the 26-year-old, who had six top five finishes on the ADT this season.

“I won’t say it was stress-free but it was a pretty easy round for me today. I finished fifth on the ADT Order of Merit last year. Obviously, I want to get into the top three this year before the season ends. Hopefully I can maintain my form tomorrow,” added Renolds, who is currently fourth on the ADT Order of Merit.

The top three players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will secure playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for 2014.

The winner of the 14th ADT Chang Hwa Open will take home a prize purse of US$21,000, as well as six world ranking points.

The 14th ADT Chang Hwa Open, which was previously staged on the local circuit, joins the fledging Asian Development Tour (ADT) schedule for the very first time this season.

It is the second ADT event to be held in Chinese Taipei this year, following the Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship which was held earlier in August.

All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points starting this year. Winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.

Leading third round scores:

202 – HUNG Chien-yao (TWN) 67-70-65

207 – LIU Yu-jui (A) 66-70-71

208 – Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 73-71-64, TSAI Chi-huang (TWN) 70-69-69, LIEN Chi-wei (TWN) 69-67-72

209 – LIN Wen-hong (TWN) 68-70-71

210 – LIN Kuan-po (TWN) 72-71-67, Supravee PHATAM (THA) 73-69-68, CHAN Shih-chang (TWN) 74-68-68, Adam BLYTH (AUS) 74-68-68

211 – Jake STIRLING (AUS) 73-70-68, Daniel BRINGOLF (AUS) 72-70-69, CHAN Yih-shin (TWN) 70-71-70, CHANG Tse-peng (TWN) 72-68-71, LEE Chia-hao (TWN) 66-72-73