Manila: Rufino Bayron of the Philippines put himself in prime position to win his first career victory after shooting a third round one-under-par 71 to lead by three shots at the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship on Friday.

Bayron stayed at the forefront after trading five birdies against four bogeys for a 14-under-par 202 total while Japan’s Tomokazu Yoshinaga, who fired a 67, stayed within sight of the leader in the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Filipino Ferdinand Aunzo charged up the leaderboard with a 65 for third on 206, followed by countrymen James Ryan Lam and Jhonnel Ababa who trail the leader by five shots after posting matching 68s at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

Bayron, who fired a superb second round 62, hopes to seal the deal in the final 18 holes and follow in the footsteps of his younger brother Jay, who is a three-time ADT winner and 2012 Order of Merit champion.

Playing with close friend Aunzo in the last group on the final day will ease some pressure on Bayron as he seeks the long-awaited victory.

“Overall my game was good but my second shots were a bit of a let-down. I’ve been in three play-offs before and I lost in all of it! I hope I can win. I’m playing with Aunzo so that should be fun. I hope I won’t be that nervous,” said the 32-year-old Bayron.

Japan’s Yoshinaga will be on the hunt for his first and biggest victory outside of Japan after shooting seven birdies. He was disappointed not to stay closer to the leader after three putting for two bogeys on holes four and 10.

“I’ve won a few small tournaments in Japan but nothing outside of Japan yet. This is a good chance for me to do so. I’m quite confident I can win,” said the 36-year-old Yoshinaga.

Home favourite Angelo Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, shot a 72 to stay six shots off the pace in tied sixth position.

The ADT, which was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012 and a record 16 in the 2013 season, has established itself as a gateway to the Asian Tour.

For more information on the ADT, please visitwww.asiandevelopmenttour.com.

Leading third round scores:

202 - Rufino BAYRON (PHI) 69 62 71
205 - Tomokazu YOSHINAGA (JPN) 71 67 67
206 - Ferdinand AUNZO (PHI) 72 69 65
207 - Jhonnel ABABA (PHI) 69 70 68, James Ryan LAM (PHI) 71 68 68
208 - Arnold VILLACENCIO (PHI) 68 71 69, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 68 69 71, Angelo QUE (PHI) 67 69 72
209 - Michael BIBAT (PHI) 70 70 69, Clyde MONDILLA (PHI) 68 72 69, Rene MENOR (PHI) 76 63 70
210 - R.J. CARACELLA (AUS) 67 74 69, Brett MUNSON (USA) 70 69 71, Keanu JAHNS (PHI) 71 68 71, Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN) 75 69 66, Cassius CASAS (PHI) 67 71 72, Clarke LUTTON (SCO) 68 69 73.