Malaysia’s Ashley Lau admits she is in unexpected territory after playing her way into the final group on day three of the Webex Players Series Murray River.

Runner-up at WPGA Tour qualifying school at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club a week ago, Lau made eagle at the par-5 first and was 6-under through six holes at Cobram Barooga Golf Club.

A double-bogey on the par-4 eighth was a significant stumble but she birdied three of her final four holes for a round of 8-under 63 to sit three strokes back of 54-hole leader, Kazuma Kobori (64).

On a day in which West Australian Jess Whitting won a $93,000 BMW for a hole-in-one and Victorian Matias Sanchez matched Tom Power Horan’s course record with a 9-under 62, the younger Kobori surged to the top of the leaderboard.

He was four shots clear when he made his eighth birdie through 12 holes but played his final three holes in 1-over. At 18-under par through 54 holes he is three clear of Lau and two-time Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winner Andrew Martin (68).

Momoka Kobori is in a share of fourth with Wilkin (64), Singapore debutant Shannon Tan (63), Barooga local Steffi Vogel (66), Zach Murray (66) and Michael Hendry (69) a shot further back at 13-under.

Playing with Vogel who had the largest crowd on course supporting her, Lau was somewhat shocked to see her name near the top of the leaderboard as she played the 18th hole.

A decorated player at the University of Michigan, Lau is making an instant impression in her first visit to Australia.

“I was telling my parents before the tournament started that I’m really, really nervous playing against the guys because I feel like there’s a different standard, girls and guys,” said Lau.

“Playing good out here gives a sense of accomplishment that hard work is paying off.

“Played well at Qualifying but never thought I would be in contention.

“Happy to be in the position that I’m in right now. Just want to go out and have fun and play some good golf tomorrow.”

The reigning Women’s NSW Open champion, Momoka Kobori shot 66 in the final round of the Taranaki Open on the Charles Tour in 2020 to run down her younger brother, and has him in her sights yet again.

“I’ll be trying,” Momoka warned.

“I’ve always been a fan of this format, being able to compete against the guys.

“It’s a cool opportunity. It’s a pretty unique opportunity. While we’re both here it’s good to enjoy it and make the most of it for sure.”

Growing in confidence with each round that she plays on her home course, Vogel will start the final round five strokes back of Kobori but now with a glimmer of hope that an unlikely win is now suddenly within reach.

"I just saw my name on the leaderboard on the last hole and I was surprised that – other than Kazuma – no one has really shot up.

“I was surprised that my name was actually on there.

“(Winning) is probably a thought now but I just want to keep playing some good golf.”

Lau will tee off with Kazuma Kobori in the final group at 2:15pm AEDT on Sunday, Momoka Kobori and Shannon Tan are in an all-WPGA group at 1:53pm and Vogel and fellow Murray River product, Zach Murray, will likely draw a big crowd when they tee off at 1:42pm.

Saturday also saw the opening round of the All Abilities and Junior Players Series events.

Coffs Harbour’s Cameron Pollard leads Wayne Perske by one in the All Abilities while Shepparton’s Bailey Goodall posted 2-under 69 to lead Nicholas Horvath by one in the Junior tournament.