India's Ashok Kumar carded a fine four-under 68 to be tied fourth after the third round of the inaugural 200,000 USD Carlsberg Masters golf tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Saturday.
Ashok shared the spot with Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand, who scored 70.
Coming into the tournament with four straight Indian Tour titles under his belt, Ashok said he hoped to translate that form in his rookie year on the Asian Tour.
"I'm shooting a lot of birdies but am dropping bogeys as well. I hope to stay clear of trouble tomorrow," said the 23-year-old who has an aggregate of 209 (71-70-68) after the third round.
Another Indian Arjun Singh was joint 18th after a third round card of two-under 70.
Thai star Thongchai Jaidee fired a course record of eight-under-par 64 to stay on track for a third victory this season.
The current Asian Tour number one, Jaidee sank eight birdies at the Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club to lead by two strokes from overnight leader Angelo Que of the Philippines, who carded 70.