Shanghai, April 21:

Scott Hend of Australia shot a 5-under 67 at the Asian Open on Saturday to move within one stroke of leader Raphael Jacquelin of France.

Overnight leader Jacquelin had four birdies against two bogies for a 70 and an 11-under 211 through three rounds. Jacquelin has led since the opening round.

Hend fired seven birdies but dropped two bogies to remain within striking distance of the lead heading into the final round of the tournament. Three more players were just two shots off the lead — Joakim Backstrom (68), Soren Kjeldsen (68) and Simon Yates, who shot a 64 to equal the course record.

Colin Montgomerie was part of a group of three players who were three strokes behind after a round of 69. Ernie Els shot a 68 to remain in contention, five strokes back, while fellow South African Retief Goosen shot a 69 after opening rounds of 71 and 74, but was still nine shots behind. Englishman Paul Casey took himself out of contention with a 77 after opening rounds of 72 and 71.

Three-time major winner Els, the tournament’s 2005 winner, refused to rule himself out of making up enough ground to snatch a win on the final day. “I’ve got half a chance now,” he said.