Teenage golfer Matteo Manassero seized a two-shot lead after 54 holes at the storm-hit Singapore Open on Sunday as officials gambled on the weather by trying to cram the best part of two rounds into one day.

Three-time winner Adam Scott remained in the contention, the Australian four shots back in fourth place after shooting three-under-par 69.

Tournament director Jose Maria Zamora had his “fingers crossed” for no more disruptions as he announced the co-sanctioned event would go the full four rounds, rather than being cut to three, and extend into Monday morning if required.

As Italy’s Manassero completed his third round, the fourth was already well under way to catch up following long delays for thunder and lightning storms on Thursday and Friday.

“We will be finishing it either today, fingers crossed, or tomorrow morning,” Zamora said.

Weather forecasts were for scattered thunderstorms on Sunday.

Manassero, 19, led from 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen (65), who can hamper world number one Rory McIlroy’s bid to add this season’s European Tour money list title to his triumph on the PGA Tour.

Manassero shot a third round 64 at the par-71 Sentosa Golf Club for an aggregate score of 11-under-par 202.

England’s Chris Wood was alone in third place after a 70 left him three off the pace, one better than Scott.

McIlroy left himself with a mountain to climb after finishing his third round with a 69, and the Northern Irishman admitted he now needed a wonder round of 10 under par or better.

“It depends what the leaders do on the back nine. It’s a tough course but there are plenty of birdie chances out there, so if I can shoot one in the low 60s and get into double digits under par, you never know what can happen,” McIlroy said.