KJ Choi remains in contention to win his first PGA Tour title in five years, after carding a round of 72 on day three of the Farmers Insurance Open.

The level par round maintained the South Korean’s position as joint leader in the tournament alongside Scott Brown on nine-under-par, but things could have been so different for the veteran until a late flurry.

Indeed, the 45-year-old was three-over for his round heading into his final six holes, but birdies at the 13th, 14th and 18th helped him preserve his position at the top of the leaderboard.

Choi, who is currently ranked at number 334 in the world, has not won on the PGA Tour since his play-off victory over David Toms at the Players Championship in 2011 and he faces stiff competition if he is to end that run at Torrey Pines.

American pair Gary Woodland and Jimmy Walker are a shot behind the leading duo on eight-under, whilst a group of four players are a shot further back, including Swede Jonas Blixt, who carded the round of the day after shooting his second consecutive 66.

Irishman Paul Dunne, most famous for holding a share of the lead after 54-holes of last year’s Open Championship, is four shots off the pace as he continues to impress on what is his first appearance on the PGA Tour.

Stormy conditions are expected to greet the players during Sunday’s final round, with 23 players currently within four shots of the leading pair.