South African young gun Aldrich Potgieter will start two back from final-round Australian PGA leaders Smith and Elvis Smylie.
Two back-nine bogeys spoiled things somewhat after Potgieter had surged clear on Saturday with six birdies before the turn at Royal Queensland.
Smiling that Australia can claim him after a childhood mostly spent in Western Australia, the 20-year-old became the second-youngest behind Jason Day to earn a US PGA Tour card on the Korn Ferry Tour this year.
He also won an event as a 19-year-old, Potgieter's tour-leading drive a weapon well supported by the rest of his game.
"He hits it a f***ing mile ... ridiculous," said David Micheluzzi, his playing partner who finished alongside him at eight under on Saturday.
"And not only that, his ball control, iron play, wedge - it's complete.
"I'm more worried about him tomorrow because he can carry every bunker on the course."
Potgieter also won the British Amateur Championship when he was 17.
He also held his nerve with an up-and-down out of the bunker on the final day of the Korn Ferry Tour to secure 29th spot and his US PGA card this year.
"It was a big grind ... 14 events in 15 weeks, you learn how to keep yourself together and playing for a PGA Tour card," Potgeiter said.
"A lot of pressure ... you learn a lot for yourself, doing that."
Melbourne-born Micheluzzi, back after his first DP World Tour season, is also steeled after a hectic schedule and exposure to bigger events.
"This has become a regular occurrence, all this," the Australian said.
"I feel a lot more comfortable, let's just say that."
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