Thongchai Jaidee has recorded a third-round 66 to move one shot clear at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
The world number 32 suffered a late blow as he made bogey on the final hole, but seven birdies earlier on Saturday has put him in pole position ahead of the final round.
The trio of Sergio Garcia, Lucas Bjerregaard and Byeong-hung An are tied for second position, with Kristoffer Broberg completing the top five.
A group of five players are three shots behind Jaidee, with Henrik Stenson, Patrick Reed, Ross Fisher, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter all giving themselves a chance of victory on Sunday.
English duo Justin Rose and Matthew Fitzpatrick both produced rounds of 67, but they sit five off the lead.