A slow-burning Olympic golf tournament roared to life on Saturday as American Xander Schauffele fought off attacks on all fronts to cling to a one-shot lead over home hero Hideki Matsuyama heading into the final round.
The stage is set for a battle royale at Kasumigaseki Country Club on Sunday, with nine players within four strokes of Schauffele, including former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy.
Overnight leader by a stroke, Schauffele was stalked relentlessly by playing partners Matsuyama and Mexican Carlos Ortiz but he broke clear with a birdie on the 18th to card 68 for a 14-under total of 199.
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