Shiv Kapur sunk a brilliant hat-trick of birdies to finish the day with a five-under 67 that saw him climb into the tied 17th place after the penultimate round of the USD 2.3 million Johnnie Walker Classic golf tournament in Perth on Saturday.

Kapur, who had first two rounds of 68 and 71, began the third round with a pair of pars and then sealed an eagle, which was followed by a birdie at the Vines Resort and Country Club.

The Indian slotted a birdie on ninth and another on tenth followed by four pars. He then bogeyed the 15th but did not allow the slip-up to affect him as he got into an overdrive and birdied the next three holes to set himself up for a top-10 finish.

Meanwhile, Korea's K J Choi was still in line to lift the title despite watching American Kevin Stadler soar into a two-shot third round lead with a sensational eagle on the last hole.

The 36-year-old Stadler finished his day on a high note, snaring a three at the par five 18th en route to a six-under-par 66 and a three-day total of 17-under-par 199 on a sweltering day.

Defending champion Adam Scott of Australia slipped six back off the pace after carding a 70.

Kapur was delighted with his finish although not with the bogey on the 15th.