The world number 41 ended day three of the US$10 million event in tied-seventh place, six shots back of American leader Tony Finau, who stamped his authority at the Shanghai showpiece by being the only player to birdie the last three holes to lead with his three-day total of 13-under-par 203.

Defending champion Justin Rose, who is seeking to become the only player other than Tiger Woods to defend a World Golf Championships title, returned with a 70 to share second place with Americans Patrick Reed and Xander Schauffele.

While a maiden WGC win at the Sheshan International Golf Club is still within sights, the Thai prefers to play down expectations and just focus on getting off to a fast start so that he chase Finau down on the final day.

Kiradech birdied two of his opening three holes before dropping a shot on six. He recovered quickly with another birdie on the next hole but suffered another bogey on the eight hole.

The Thai then marked his card with another pair of birdies on 13 and 14 before another bogey on 15 dropped him back to two-under for the round.

“I got off to a good start, hit solid shots and rolled the putts well but towards the end of the day, I didn’t strike the ball as well as I could have. It’s the same every day, my iron game isn’t sharp enough to make it. I think so far I hit like seven greens in regulation, which is like so low. Accuracy is quite key around this course because when the wind picks up and it’s very windy around here, the golf course gets more difficult,” said Kiradech, the first player from Thailand to gain full-time membership on the PGA TOUR.

“I still have to work hard on my game to get everything back. I have to get off to a very hot start and just keep it going. I really need a low number to have a chance but finishing top-five is the goal for me this week,” said the Thai whose best result in Shanghai was at tied 24th last year.

Like Kiradech, Finau is also eyeing his breakthrough at a WGC event and is hopeful of getting the job done provided he continues to maintain his composure as he is wary of the host of world class players ready to capitalise on any of his mistakes he may make on the final day.