Jordan Spieth maintained his lead despite a disappointing end to his round ©Getty Images

Jordan Spieth survived a stuttering end to his third round to maintain a one-shot lead over the rest of the field and close in on a successful defence of his Masters title at Augusta National in Georgia.

After beginning well despite the tough breeze, Spieth three-putted for a double bogie on the 505-yard, par-four 11th.

He then recovered well to accrue three birdies over the next four holes and duly open up a four-stroke lead before a disastrous 18th gave hope to the chasing pack heading into tomorrow's finale.

The Texan drove right into the trees before falling 50 foot short of the pin with an undercooked third shot to shoot a one-over-par 73 for the round.

"Two under with three to go and the wind at your side, I just got really wayward from there," said the leader.

"I just have to absolutely throw away the finish to this round, pretend it's a new round, everyone is tied and you have to shoot the best score to win.

"I have to understand it's the position I wanted to be in after 54 holes and not think about the finish to this round."

Smylie Kaufman made it a good day for United States by rising to second ©Getty Images
Smylie Kaufman made it a good day for United States by rising to second ©Getty Images

If Spieth's day was mixed, the fortunes of his playing partner Rory McIlroy were disastrous.

After a superb finish yesterday gave him serious hope of a first Masters title, McIlroy ended the day five shots behind after a five-over-par 77.

His round included three bogeys and one double bogey to leave him in a tie for 11th place.

Smylie Kaufman carded a superb 69 to move to second place on two-under and ensure he will play with US compatriot Spieth tomorrow.

Germany's 1985 and 1993 Masters winner Bernard Langer rolled back the years to move into a share of third place with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, a further shot behind.