Chinese Taipei's Lee, US' Kitayama share lead at Changsha Championship

Chinese Taipei's Chiehpo "Max" Lee shot a 2-under 70 in windy conditions to share the lead at 7-under with second-round leader Kurt Kitayama (75) of the US. after the third round of the Changsha Championship on Saturday.

Japan's Taihei Sato eagled No. 18 for a 69 at Hunan Dragon Lake International Golf Club and a tie for third with the US' Charlie Saxon (72) at 6-under at the third event of this season's PGA Tour Series-China.

First-round leader Jeffrey Kang (72), looking to add to his victory at the season-opening Chengdu Championship, was fifth at 4-under, two strokes ahead of fellow American Ryann Ree (75).

Chinese trio Zihao Chen (69), Xuewen Luo (69) and Changping Chen (72) shared seventh with Korean Taewoo Kim (72), American Sam Chien (74) and Canada's Beonyeong Lee (76) at 1-under.

The 23-year-old Lee, playing his first year on the Tour, started in good form, making three birdies in the first six holes before the winds started to pick up.

"I think I played really well today because it was pretty windy and the greens were hard, so shooting a 2-under was very good," said Lee, who saved his best shot for the last hole.

"On 18, I hit a 9-iron straight over the pin, to the short side, where it's a very, very difficult chip and I chipped it to around 2 feet. That was my best shot."

Lee, who started with rounds of 69 and 70, is hoping to improve on his tie for third at the Chongqing Championship, where he also played in the last flight.

"I'm very excited to play in the final group again. In the last event, I played in the final group in the final round, so now I'm more used to it. I'm looking forward to it."

After starting the day three clear at 10-under, Kitayama shot two double-bogeys in a three-over round and admits he was slightly nervous when the wind picked up.

"It was really tough. There are definitely some nerves when it's windy like this, and you have second thoughts on your shot-making, so it definitely has an impact," said Kitayama, who played a full season on the Web.com Tour last year.

Kitayama will tee off in the final group alongside Lee and Sato as all three seek their first win on the Tour.

"I'm really excited and I'm just glad I'm right in the hunt," said Kitayama, who graduated from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada with a degree in finance. "Hopefully I can have a good round and finish it off."

Saxon, a two-time winner in 2016, is eyeing his first win on this year's Tour and is nicely positioned, just one shot shy of the leading pair.

"At the start of any tournament, all you can do is put yourself in a position to be able to win on the final day," said Saxon, who will play with compatriots Kang and Ree.

"I think one shot back is a good spot and I'm welcoming the challenge. I'll be ready – nothing like a little final-round adrenaline."