Lucas Herbert and Ryggs Johnston Share Lead Heading Into Final Round at Australian Open

Herbert's steady play and Johnston's charge set up a tight finish, while Cameron Smith struggles to stay in contention.

Lucas Herbert, after leading for much of the tournament, finished the third round at 14-under alongside American rookie Ryggs Johnston, who surged with six birdies before a late double bogey.
Cameron Smith, once a favorite, fell out of contention following a difficult back nine on Friday and a poor third round, leaving him 12 strokes behind the leaders.
Defending champion Joaquin Niemann and Australian Elvis Smylie are part of a group at 12-under, just two shots behind the leaders, keeping the competition tight heading into the final day.
Rainy conditions and challenging greens at Kingston Heath have tested players throughout the tournament, with weather expected to remain a factor in the final round.
In the concurrent Women's Australian Open, South Korean amateur Hyojin Yang leads after two rounds, with major winners Jiyai Shin and Hannah Green close behind.