Cam Smith of Australia hits a tee shot on day two of the Hong Kong Open at Fanling golf club in Hong Kong on Nov 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG - Australia's Cam Smith set himself up to win his first title in Asia on Saturday after taking a share of the third-round lead at the $2 million Hong Kong Open, along with Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand.

Smith had an unusually frustrating day on the Composite Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club, but reached 16-under for the tournament after shooting a five-under-par 65.

His playing partner and overnight leader Phachara, chasing his second win on the Asian Tour, fired a 66.

New Zealand's Ben Campbell returned a 65 and is one stroke back, a shot ahead of Lee Chieh-po, who came in with a 66

New Zealand's Ben Campbell returned a 65 and is one stroke back, a shot ahead of Lee Chieh-po, who came in with a 66.

Smith, who has won twice on the LIV Golf League this year, most recently in Bedminster in August, had an erratic day off the tee. The worst of those shots came on the 16th where he hooked his tee shot into the trees, from where he was able to get his ball back into play and make a bogey.

The slip up on 16 was his only dropped shot of the day, while his silky-smooth putting stroke saved the day for him with six birdies.

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Phachara will have another excellent opportunity to add a second Asian Tour title to his resume on Sunday.

At the end of 2021, the Thai star won the Laguna Phuket Championship for his maiden win on the Asian Tour and despite numerous opportunities, a second win has remained elusive.

A dropped shot on the first did little to deter him as he rallied with five birdies later, including three on the back nine to keep the pressure on his Australian opponent.

Campbell, like Phachara, faces arguably the biggest day of his career tomorrow as he tries to win one of Asia's biggest golf tournaments, which this year is the penultimate event on the Asian Tour's set of 10 International Series tournaments.

He has been enjoying a strong season, including a joint runner-up placing in the New Zealand Open in March, on his home course at Millbrook Resort.

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The US's Andy Ogletree fired a 66, to finish on 11 under, and Spain's David Puig has an outside chance as he also carded a 66 and is 10 under.