Peter Lonard heads a group of four Australians mounting a bid for the US PGA Tour's New Orleans Classic title.
On a day when heavy storms and lighting badly disrupted play, Lonard was able to play only four holes of his third round but a birdie on the par 5 second ensured he was tied for the lead.
He was locked at eight-under with three Americans - second-round leader Briny Baird, Woody Austin and Nicholas Thompson.
With less than two weeks to go before the Masters, John Senden shot into calculations by firing a 66 to be one shot off the pace and the clubhouse leader on 209.
He was one of only three players in the top 21 spots on the leaderboard to finish their rounds.
Veteran Steve Elkington was tied with Senden and three others after managing eight holes of his round.
And New South Welshman Nathan Green was also right in the hunt, in a large group two shots off the lead after playing 10 holes.
The players were set to return to the course in Avondale, Louisiana early on Sunday morning to complete the third round before the start of the fourth.
