Hong Kong, Oct 18 (IANS): Jyoti Randhawa, in tied sixth, was the best placed Indian golfer after the third round of the $1.3 million Hong Kong Open here Saturday.

Randhawa battled to a 68 while overnight leader Ernie Els of South Africa registered a disappointing 71 in a rollercoaster round to slip to tied sixth place alongside four other players, including the Indian.

S.S.P Chowrasia dropped a few places and was the next best Indian with a third round 70 to be tied for 13th place with Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark.

Shiv Kapur also had a poor third round with a 70 score to occupy tied 24th place.

Rahil Gangjee had one of the poorest scores in the third round with his two over par 72, dropping him to tied 43rd place.

Marcus Fraser of Australia shrugged off an eight-month injury layoff by shooting a five-under-par 65 to seize a one-shot lead .

Fraser showed no signs of being sidelined due to a hand injury after firing four birdies in his closing six holes for a 11-under-par 199 total at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Five-time Asian Tour winner, Scott Hend, also of Australia saved a crucial 12-foot par putt on the last hole for a 67 to put himself in prime position to win the prestigious event which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.