Ireland's Rory McIlroy is still in contention at the Mastercard Masters in Melbourne after a supreme putting display by Daniel Chopra pushed Australians Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley off the top of the leaderboard at the close of day three.

Chopra took a one-shot lead into the final round tonight (Irish time).

Some peerless putting helped Chopra secure eight birdies to just one bogey in a seven-under-par round of 65. The Swede responded to dropping his only shot at the 12th by reeling off three straight birdies from the 14th onwards.

After a round of three under on the second day put him in third place, McIlroy slipped to a share of eighth place and five off the lead after a round of 70.

Richard Finch is the leading Briton after a round of 67 took him into a share of fifth place one ahead of Ireland's teenage sensation.

Chopra's sternest challenge to securing his maiden European Tour title on the final day is set to come from second-placed Baddeley, and another Australian Kurt Barnes.

Baddeley shot 69 while Barnes' 65 brought him right into contention. The chances of a home success remain high, with Rodney Pampling outright fourth and former Allenby sharing fifth with compatriot Stuart Appleby.

Yet another Australian, Peter Lonard, is alongside McIlroy at seven under.