Tokyo: India's Shiv Kapur fired a two-under-par 69 to grab a one-stroke lead from Japan's Kodai Ichihara at the Panasonic Open after Saturday's third round.

After 14 straight pars, Kapur carded back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 to reach the clubhouse at nine-under 204 at the $1.25 million event sanctioned by the Japanese and Asian tours.