CIMB classic: Sharma joins Leishman, Gary

Australian Marc Leishman and American Gary Woodland retained their position atop the CIMB Classic leaderboard at the TPC Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and were joined by Indian youngster Shubhankar Sharma in a three-way share of lead.

Leishman made a blistering start as he gained six shots in his opening seven holes, including an eagle at the third, before finishing with a five-under-par 67 to sit on 19-under overall. Woodland followed his course recordequalling second round 11-under with a battling 67, while 22-year-old Sharma dropped only one stroke for a gutsy 66 in hot and humid conditions.

Sharma has already won in Malaysia this season with a European Tour victory at the Maybank Championship in February.

“Good thing is that I’ve been in this position before so I know what happens and what my mind goes through, so I’ll just try and relax myself as much as possible,” he said. “The way I’m playing, I’m pretty sure I’ll play well tomorrow as well.”

The leading trio are two clear of South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen after the 2010 British Open champion carded a sparkling 65 to move alongside first-round leader American Bronson Burgoon.

Another American Stewart Cink raced into contention heading into the final round with nine birdies to finish with a 63, four shots off the pace. REUTERS