Kenichi Kuboya maintained his place at the top of the Dunlop Phoenix leaderboard but was joined by Tetsuji Hiratsuka and Yudai Maeda.

The 37-year-old Kuboya had started the day with a three-stroke lead following a 65 yesterday but four birdies against three bogeys at the Phoenix Country Club meant he signed for a one-under-par 70.

Maeda climbed up the leaderboard with a round that yielded an impressive seven birdies against one bogey for a six under 65 while Hiratsuka shot a 66 to move into a share of the lead.

Edoardo Molinari of Italy carded a 66 while Ryuichi Oda shot a 68 to take a share of fourth place, a shot further behind the leaders.

Japan Tour money leader Ryo Ishikawa carded a 70 to take a share of 20th place while Vijay Singh returned to the clubhouse with a second successive 71 and is tied 30th overall.