Asian Tour stalwarts Jyoti Randhawa and Lin Wen-Tang stayed in touch with the leaders at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Saturday, but have their work cut out to get on the winners' dias.
India's Randhawa stroked his second consecutive 70 for a share of sixth with American Anthony Kim to be six behind leader Phil Mickelson, while Lin also hit a 70 to be a shot further back alongside Japan's Ryo Ishikawa.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is also still in the hunt another stroke adrift but after him the Asian challenge fizzles out.
India's Jeev Miklha Singh and Thailand's Chapchai Nirat are 13 off the lead while Chinese number one Liang Wenchong is 16 behind.
Randhawa said his game was starting to click after months of struggling.
"I guess I came good at the right time," he said. "Any time you shoot under par on this course it's good because the way they tuck the pins, it's playing really tough.
"I'm very happy and lucky to be where I am and let's hope I can carry on."
Despite being seven behind Mickelson, Lin said anything could happen on the final day, but admitted his chances were slim.
"There are still 18 holes to go," he said. "Maybe a small chance. Phil is a very good player. I'll just go out there and try to do it.
"I've been lucky in final rounds this year so hopefully I can have another lucky round on Sunday. I'll just stay relaxed and play golf."
After two days of playing in the same group as Tiger Woods, Thongchai had a quieter time on Saturday and said he was feeling good going into Sunday.
"I played really well. I missed some holes but came back nicely on 16 and 17 and then missed a birdie on the last. Good round, two under," he said, adding that he would try and attack on the final day.
"I need to keep playing the tee shots well. It's important as the greens are firming up. The course has become harder and harder. I'll try to attack the pins when I chance I have on Sunday," he said.
"It's a strong field with all the good players, which is good for Asian golf and nice to see a few of us on the leaderboard."
Among other Asians, young Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar is 10-over-par while Singapore's Lam Chih-Bing faded with a 75 to be four over.
