A star-studded leaderboard is all set for Sunday's final round of the $1.75 million Australian Open in Sydney.

Dual title-holder Robert Allenby and rising youngster James Nitties lead the way on 10-under par at The Australian course, one stroke ahead of 2001 winner Stuart Appleby.

Veterans Craig Parry and Nick O'Hern, who are both seeking their first Stonehaven Cup, are also well in contention at eight under, one stroke ahead of American Brandt Snedeker.

Two-time former winner Aaron Baddeley is four shots off the pace at six under the card.

Allenby, who failed to win a US PGA Tour event this year and is keen to end the year on a high, feels he is perfectly poised to add another Open victory to his 1994 and 2005 triumphs.

He has also spent four months in the gym working on his fitness so the injury-plagued Victorian can give himself the best chance of adding a major victory to his resume in 2008.

"I've swung it the best I've swung it all year," Allenby said after the third round.

"It was tough (in round three), really tricky out there. I made some good putts, made some good clutch putts.

"I've been working hard on my swing all year and really hit some unbelievable shots out there."

Nitties is the surprise name at the top of the leaderboard as he tries to improve on his best result in his short professional career, a runner-up finish behind Peter Lonard in the 2004 Australian PGA Championship.

Despite the opportunity that awaits him, Nitties is confident he has enough experience to battle any nerves.

"I'll sleep well - this sort of thing does not keep me up any more," he said.

"I'm a really light sleeper. I'll sleep like a baby, up every two hours crying - nah, just joking."

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