American star-in-waiting Ricky Barnes woke to hear he could be disqualified from the ANZ Championship today but finished his round lurking just behind the lead in a tumultuous third round.

The 23-year-old carded a 8-under 64 at Horizons Golf Resort to move to 30 points and fifth spot under the modified stableford system, trailing leader Steve Webster of England (39 points) and Australians Nick O'Hern (34), Scott Gardiner (32) and Nick Flanagan (31).

But the 2002 winner of the US Amateur title - following such luminaries as three-time winner Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus - was lucky to even tee up today after an early morning phone call from Australian PGA director of tournaments Andrew Langford-Jones.

"He called ... and said you pretty much might not be playing today," Barnes said.

An officious viewer watching the golf channel in the US emailed organisers saying Barnes had broken a rule by improving his line on the 11th.

Supposedly Barnes - who finished an impressive 21st in his Masters debut last year - had illegally moved sand while attempting to putt from just off the green.

A nervous Barnes watched the footage with officials and was finally cleared after proving he'd legally moved a "loose impediment" or burnt Bermuda grass - and not sand.

So the Californian happily headed for the first tee.

"After that happened I got a breathe of fresh air and thought I might as well make a move and take advantage of it," said Barnes, who has been disqualified once in his career for signing an incorrect card.

Last year's winner of the US Amateur, local golfer Flanagan, also had a superb day moving into fourth with a 4-under 68 and 31 points. And just behind, countryman Gardiner continued his fine summer.

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