India's Jeev Milkha Singh survived a double bogey scare to maintain his overnight four-shot lead after the third round of the US$830,000 Asia Japan Okinawa Open at Okinawa, Japan on Saturday.

Singh carded a two-under-par 69 at the Naha Golf Club to move into tomorrow's final round well clear of Japan's Hideki Kase, who moved into the title frame with a fine 66.

The Indian, who landed a step closer towards ending a five-year winless run with the three-day total of 15-under-par 198, however, had to survive some anxious moments after sending his tee shot out of bounds on the 13th hole before running up a six. He recovered strongly with birdies on 15 and 17.

First round leader Charlie Wi of Korea kept within striking reach with a 69 to lie five back along with Australian Scott Barr and Japan's Soushi Tajima.