The Taupo amateur golfer Troy Ropiha has established a comfortable lead after three rounds of the Taranaki Open in New Plymouth.
Ropiha holds a four shot lead at eight-under par after firing a six-under 66 today at the Ngamotu Links course.
The Nelson professional, and midway leader, Dominic Barson sits in second at four-under.
New Zealand representative Caroline Bon, of Whangarei, took out the women's honours, with their tournament restricted to 54 holes because the players travel to Nelson tomorrow to prepare for the Toro Interprovincials.
Bon won the title on the second extra hole from overnight leader Chantelle Cassidy, of Rotorua.
