Melbourne: Local journeyman Matthew Millar held firm on a windy day to lead the Australian Masters by a stroke as tournament favourite Adam Scott crashed with a 77 in the third round on Saturday. The 39-year-old Millar shot a three-under 68 for a seven-under total of 206, breaking clear of a congested leaderboard as challengers crumbled in the trying conditions at Melbourne’s Huntingdale Golf Club. Millar had a one-stroke lead over compatriot Andrew Evans in second, with John Senden, a two-time US. Tour event winner, among a group of four a stroke further back on five-under.

Former world number one Scott, overnight leader by a stroke with Peter Wilson, fell five off the pace after a seven-bogey round that boasted just one birdie, on the second hole. (Reuters)