Trevor Jones recorded a second consecutive level par round of 70 to open up a two-shot lead at the RCW2010 Welsh National PGA Championship at Cardiff.
Jones, of Hambrook Golf Range, leads Adam Constable and overnight leader Andrew Barnett by two shots after their respective rounds of 73 and 74.
It was another tough test of the players' skill in South Wales, with only two players breaking par.
Lee Rooke and Rhys Davies both produced scores of 69 and lie four and five shots off the lead respectively.
Rooke and Constable have the added incentive of trying to climb the Wales Order of Merit - this is the last chance to do so - to try and make the Wales team for the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship at Roda Golf Club in Spain.
Barnett and Matthew Griffiths - the latter tied for 15th on seven over par - have already booked their spot and Constable and Rooke are battling for the final place.
They both need to win the tournament or finish second should Barnett take the title.
Constable said: "My game wasn't so good today.
"I played okay in parts but I didn't putt so well.
"The conditions were very tricky - it's very windy and the greens have taken a lot of water.
On the prospect of representing his country he added: "It was one of my goals at the start of the season. I'm passionate about playing for Wales.
"Obviously there is also a big winners cheque and to win your National Championship at your home club would be one of my greatest achievements.
"Hopefully I can play well in the final round and be in the mix coming down the last few holes."