Millbrook (New Zealand), February 28 India's Karandeep Kochhar shot a 70 in the third round, placing him tied for 23rd at the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort here.
Following rounds of 67-67 on the first two days, he achieved a 1-under 70 with five birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey.
Australian Lucas Herbert, who won on the Asian Tour last year, positioned himself to add to that by finishing close to the leaders after the third round.
Herbert shot the lowest round of the week, a nine-under-par 62 on Millbrook Resort's Composite layout, moving him to 16-under, two behind the leader, Daniel Hillier, from New Zealand.
Hillier, another favorite of the event, shot a 64, thanks to a brilliant eagle and birdie finish – in the second event of the season on the Asian Tour, jointly sanctioned with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.
Australian Curtis Luck (63) and New Zealand's Kerry Mountcastle (64) are tied for second, one behind the leader.
Herbert won the International Series Japan on the Asian Tour last year, securing his sixth international victory, and is expected to challenge Hillier tomorrow.
