Robert Allenby moved further into the lead after the third round of the Australian Open after taking a five-stroke lead at Moonah Links near Melbourne.

Robert Allenby moved four strokes clear of the field after recording an even-par 72 in the second round of the Australian Open in hot and windy conditions at Moonah Links near Melbourne.

Peter Lonard fired a final round 69 to claim the Australian Open title at Moonah Links.

Chris Downes remained the front-runner at the Australian Open but there was little sparkle to his game at the Moonah Links course today as eight players closed to within two shots of the leader.

Queenslander Chris Downes headed the leaderboard after the opening round of the Australian Open today, just as he did 12 months ago.