BANDO, Ibaraki Pref. (Kyodo) Overnight joint leader S.K. Ho of South Korea opened up a five-stroke lead after shooting a 6-under-par 65 in the third round of the Championship by Lexus on Saturday.

Ho got his momentum going with three consecutive birdies from the third hole and added three birdies in four holes around the turn as he moved to 14-under 199 at Otone Country Club.

Australian Steven Conran, the other coleader after two rounds, shot a 70 to finish the day alone in second on 204.