Jason Day and Marc Leishman continue to hold their nerves and the hopes of a nation to lead the Masters midway through the third round at Augusta National.

Day and Leishman sit tied with former champion Angel Cabrera at six under par as they fight to become the first Australian to win the coveted green jacket.

Overnight leader Day rattled off nine straight pars to open his third round while Leishman has ridden the rollercoaster on his way into top spot with three birdies and two bogeys in his opening nine holes.

Americans Matt Kuchar, Steve Stricker, Jason Dufner and Brandt Snedeker share fourth place at four under.

Adam Scott remains in the hunt in a tie for eighth at three-under-par.

Tiger Woods is even on his round to be one-under and tied 17th after a two-shot penalty from round two before play began.

He had an illegal drop on the 15th hole on Friday and signed for the wrong score.