PGA Tour star Billy Andrade, the pre-tournament favourite, created a stir at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday, moving into prime position after three rounds.

A splendid three-under-par score of 68 saw Andrade climb into a tie for first place on 204 with one round remaining as the Bermuda Open inched closer to its climax.

Four birdies on the front nine spurred the American to the day's best round score and set up a veritable `shoot-out' with fellow American Andrew Pitts, of North Carolina, for today's final round.

Another birdie on the par four 14th hole only aided Andrade's cause and added to the misery of second round leader Pitts.

Pitts had appeared in great position following a blistering second round when his 65 topped the leaderboard and left him five shots clear of the field.

However, bogeys on holes one, seven and 17 yesterday contributed to his demise, as the door was left open and Andrade waltzed through to set up a climactic finish.

Clear blue skies combined with minimal winds failed to produce the low scores that had dominated the first two rounds.

Bermuda's best hope for the title, Dwayne Pearman, thrived with a 69 on the day, producing steady play for the third straight outing and keeping himself in the hunt with a 54-hole total of 208, although it will take major blunders by the co-leaders to let the local in with a chance.

The Bermudian stands tied with the defending champion Mike Donald, while Adam Armagost is on 210 and Roy Vucinich 212.

Pearman expressed optimism following completion of his third round.

"I feel all right, I hit the ball better today than I did the first two days,'' said the softly spoken Ocean View Club professional. "I had two three-putts on the front nine early this morning. I was the first one out and the greens were a little damp, and I didn't really get the pace of them. But I hit 16 greens in regulation, so that was a plus and I played pretty steady.

"I'm going to try and go out and do what I've been doing and whatever happens, happens. I don't like to predict anything and will just do the best I can.

"The weather has been really great and these guys -- Pitts and Andrade -- play golf every week and do it for a living and with the weather being like it is they are going to shoot 10, 12, 14 under par if the weather stays like it is.

"The Bermuda courses are much shorter thant what they're used to and with no wind they can shoot these numbers.'' The impending threat of Hurricane Lili could make a difference, but Andrade and Pitts still look set for a battle to the finish.

Meanwhile, leading the way among the amateurs is Blake Marshall, his 79 yesterday contributing to a total of 227 allowing him a one stroke advantage over the second place duo of Hav Trott and Robert Vallis.

DWAYNE PEARMAN -- tied for third place just four shots off the lead.