Australian golfer Darren Beck slipped down the leaderboard after the third round of the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open in Tokyo on Saturday despite shooting a hole-in-one.

Local hope Masamichi Uehira was the surprise, firing a six-under-par 65 to move to 14-under for the tournament and build a one-shot lead at the Higashi Hirono Golf Club in Hyogo in southern Japan.

Philippine sensation Juvic Pagunsan (67) sits in second spot with Japanese trio Tomohiro Kondo (66), Koumei Oda (68) and Masahiro Kawamura (68) were a further shot back.

Pangusan, the reigning Asian Tour No.1, was leading for most of the round but carded bogeys on holes 13 and 15 while overnight leader Hiroyuki Fujita posted a 70 to be tied in sixth place.

Nine players remain within four shots of Uehira at the 150 million yen ($A1.84 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

At 10-under for the tournament are Wu Ashun (67) of China and Sydneysider Beck (70), who both shot holes-in-one on holes seven and 11 respectively.

Beck started the day just one shot from the lead but remains in contention while fellow Australian Cameron Smith (66) is a stroke further back.

Uehira, who has yet to win on the Japan Golf Tour, surprised even himself when he jumped into the lead courtesy of sharp shooting iron play and two closing birdies.

“I want to be able to play the game without any stress. I had many birdie chances from good distances. I wanted to stay close to the top but didn’t expect to be leading,” said Uehira.

“Somehow, my swing felt really good at the practice range and I kind of brought the form with me into the round. It is going to be an exciting final round. Let’s hope it goes in my favour,” added the 34-year-old.