South African Thomas Aiken is looking to continue a South African dominance on the 2013 Race to Dubai after muscling his way to a three-shot lead with a round to play in the Avantha Masters in India.

Aiken produced a European Tour second lowest career score on day three with a superb 10-under par 62 that included an eagle and eight birdies on the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort.

The 2011 Spanish Open winner’s round was just a shot shy of a 61 he posted on day three of the opening event of the 2008 season – the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Joburg.

South African Thomas Aitken looking to continue a Springbok dominance on the 2013 Race to Dubai. (Exclusive photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

“I concentrated very hard to play one shot at a time and it seemed to work,” said Aiken.

“It just shows what can happen.

“I got off to a great start – holing a pitch shot on the second for eagle always helps – and from then on I just stuck to my game plan. All in all I’m very pleased with the way I played.

“I’ve been playing very well the last four months and just haven’t converted opportunities.

“Fortunately this week I’ve converted a lot of the opportunities that I’ve had; the majority of them have gone in from inside ten feet and that’s what makes the difference from a scoring point of view.”

If Aitken is successful in capturing his second Race to Dubai title he will become the sixth Springbok-winner in 12 events this year.

Overnight joint-leader Liang Wen-chong is Aiken’s nearest challenger after a 69 left him 15 under – the Chinese star’s efforts undone by two bogeys on the front nine after missing putts from inside two feet.

“The key is to stay patient,” said the former Singapore Masters winner. “I’m just three shots back and I’m confident that the gap can be closed.

“Anything can happen in golf and I only need to believe that I can do it. Hopefully luck will play a part as well.”

Thailand’s Aphibarnrat, who briefly held a share of the lead when he splashed in from a bunker for an eagle at the long 12th, and Scotland’s David Drysdale are tied for third on 14 under after both dropped shots late in the day.

Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, making his first appearance for four months following wrist surgery in November last year, added a 69 to his two opening rounds of 70 to lie seven under par.