South Australian journeyman Paul Spargo will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Australian Masters after shooting a one-under 71 on Saturday, with double defending champion Adam Scott lurking four strokes behind.
World No. 2 Scott rued a bogey-strewn front nine but made up ground with four birdies after the turn during a hot and windy afternoon at Metropolitan Golf Club.
Spargo, who started the day two strokes behind overnight leader and playing partner Michael Wright, wobbled in the back nine with bogeys on the 12th and 14th but held firm thereafter.