The 31-year-old Aussie, winner of the Taiwan Open in 2003, was in fiery mood with an unblemished card of nine birdies at the par-71 Mt. Malayarat Golf and Country Club and bettered the previous course mark by two strokes.

Dawes leads the 200,000 US dollar Asian Tour event on seven-under-par 206 ahead of the 49-year-old Boonchu, who paid dearly for a late stumble when he ran up a double bogey on the par four 16th hole en route to a 69.

Another Australian, Adam Le Vesconte, was a further stroke back after a 67 which was highlighted by an eagle two on the 16th.

Former Philippine Open champion Gerald Rosales and amateur star Juvic Pagunsan, last year’s runner-up, carried the local hopes as they finished the day on 209 in tied fourth place following rounds of 67 and 69 respectively.

Dawes has missed seven cuts this season but arrived in Manila with his confidence boosted after finishing tied 14th in last week’s Macau Open. After switching to a broom-handle putter which paid off, the Australian hit form on the greens to improve his score by 10 shots after matching 72s in the opening two rounds.

"The pins were a lot more accessible today and there were opportunities to make birdies which I took. I have to be patient again in the final round and wait for my chances," said Dawes, who was tied 27th overnight.

Boonchu, a legend in his own right with five career victories on the Asian Tour, was poised to retain his overnight advantage until reaching the 16th.

He found the green in regulation but caught the wrong side of the treacherous putting surface. His birdie attempt rolled off the green and after a poor chip and another two putts later, he signed for a disappointing six.

With his family providing support, Rosales, winner here in 2000, will be looking for a final push for glory after a bogey-free round moved him into contention.

Rosales lost his card on the Asian Tour last year but victory would get him straight back into the big leagues once again as a two-year exemption comes with the winner’s cheque on Sunday.