Conditions which were far friendlier than those that players faced the first two days allowed the shackles to be unleased at The National Golf Club’s Gunnamatta Course; players surging from the back of the pack in a final Order of Merit push.

Winner of Qualifying School at nearby Moonah Links 12 months ago, Kiwi Jimmy Zheng shot 8-under 64 on Saturday to move into a share of sixth; Queensland’s Louis Dobbelaar matching Zheng for low round of the week after just squeezing inside the cut-line.

Overnight leader Josh Armstrong let a two-stroke lead slip when he hit his tee shot out of bounds at the short par-4 second, composing himself enough to shoot even-par 72 and stay in contention at 6-under.

Winner on the adjacent Moonah Course two years ago, John made his only bogey of the day on 18 to shoot 6-under 66; Sanchez producing some spectacular iron play to post 4-under 68 and join John at 7-under.

Armstrong is tied for third with Sydney pair Nathan Barbieri (68) and John Lyras (68); all three desperately hunting their maiden win on Tour.

While there are Order of Merit implications throughout the leaderboard, John has all but wrapped up a HotelPlanner Tour card for 2027, courtesy of two previous wins this season.

A third will change little on Sunday, which makes him a dangerous proposition when others have so much to play for.

“A couple of years ago, I felt like going into the last round, it was kind of like be all, end all sort of thing,” said John, who started eagle-birdie-birdie in Round 3.

“I really wanted to get that first win under the belt. Now I know within myself that I’m a good enough player; I can get it done.

“If the stars align, then it goes my way, and if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t. But I’m okay with whatever the outcome is.”

Lyras had just one par through his first 12 holes on Saturday, indicative of the type of errors that can be made in just your second tournament back after a three-month layoff.

Needing to win or finish outright second to push inside the top 50 in just his fourth start of the season, the 29-year-old insists he has everything to gain and nothing to lose.

“I’d love to go out there and play like I did today,” said Lyras, who finished with eight birdies, six pars and four bogeys in his round of 68.

“I played really nicely today. I just made a few silly errors, but that’s to be expected. And the best I can do is learn from them and try to not make the mistakes.

“Physically, I’m on the right track now. I really feel like I’m out here just playing golf and with an opportunity to keep my card, really. And that was kind of the goal in itself.”

Victorian Todd Sinnott was another on the cusp of the top 50 to make a potentially important move on Saturday.

Entering the week in 52nd position, Sinnott’s 5-under 67 saw him move into a share of sixth and with a projected Order of Merit bump to No.47.

“Obviously it’s a factor, but I’m not thinking about it,” said Sinnott.

“I haven’t played many events. I kind of feel like if I play well, I’ll take care of that.

“If I start thinking about that stuff, I don’t think it’s doing anything good for me. So just focus on the tournament, play it as it normally is. If I play well, I’ll have a chance.”

The race to crown the Rookie of the Year will also go down to the wire.

Frontrunner and Webex Players Series Sydney champion, Declan O’Donovan, shot 66 on Saturday after just squeezing inside the cut-line, Zheng needing to claim a breakthrough win and have O’Donovan finish outside the top three to steal it late.

“It’s definitely surreal. It’s been a year since I won Q School,” said Zheng, who has had two top-three finishes in his first year on Tour.

“I feel like it’s flown by so quickly. I kind of wish I was still a rookie, but this being my last event, I’ve really enjoyed being out here and playing and getting to meet the guys.

“I wish the year didn’t stop and I got to play more events, but all good things come to an end.”

Others in the Order of Merit bubble with plenty to play for on Sunday include Matthew Griffin (T11, projected to finish 49th), Blake Windred (T13, projected to finish 55th), American Ty Gingerich (T13, projected to finish 52nd) and Connor McDade (T21, projected to finish 48th).

The final round of The National Tournament will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 503 and Kayo Sports from 1pm-6pm.