Brazilian Lucas Lee made an eight-foot birdie putt on the last hole on Saturday to snatch a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Thailand Open with Australian Scott Strange still in contention.

Lee’s rounds of 65, 67 and 65 leave him 19 under for the OneAsia tournament at Thana City Golf & Sports Club near Bangkok, ahead of defending champion Chris Wood from England and China’s Hu Mu.

Overnight leader Strange, who carded a 68, is sharing fourth place with Scotland’s Simon Yates (64) two shots off the pace at 17 under.

Lee, 25, who is still seeking his breakthrough victory on a major circuit, refused to be intimidated despite playing with Wood (65) and three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington — who slipped out of contention of the $US1 million event with a 75.

“After the first hole you try to forget who they are and try to beat them like any other of the guys, but they do hit the ball very well,” said Lee.

“It was a good learning experience. Tomorrow I’m just going to try and be as positive as possible, while also keeping it simple.”

Wood, who made his breakthrough professional victory at this tournament last year and followed it up with a win at the European Tour’s Qatar Masters in January, said he was delighted so far with his defence of the title.

“I’m really pleased with my efforts so far. I came here to put in a good defence,” he said.

“It will take something in the mid 60s to win.”

Hu, another OneAsia regular with victory under his belt from China’s domestic tour, credited an improved tournament strategy for his performance.

“What I have been doing recently is try to make a game plan for the entire week and then stick to it,” he said.

The round of the day belonged to Japan’s Katsumasa Miyamoto, who equalled the course record with a 63 after making the turn in 29.