Peter Lawrie continued to chase victory in the third round of the CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar only to drop shots on the 15th and 17th to sign for a 67 and a ten under par total – having been within two shots of the current leader Gary Boyd at one point.
Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño of Spain also fell way in his chase after bogeying 14 and then a double on the 16th hole.
Overnight leader Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina dropped back to 7 under after a round of 71.
Challenge Tour graduate Gary Boyd though signed for third round 63 which saw him take control of the event ahead of Sunday equalling the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo course record on the way to an eight under par round that moved him to 14 under for the week - three shots clear of the chasing pack.
"I got a few birdies early doors and was obviously climbing up the leader board pretty quickly," said Boyd, "I hit a great drive at 11 made birdie there but made great saves at ten and 12.”
The 24 year old Englishman is enjoying an impressive rookie season on The European Tour and will now have a maiden title in his sights after three top-ten finishes in his last six events.
After four birdies helped him to turn in 32, Boyd picked up further shots on the 11th and 13th before brilliantly driving the green at the 365 yard 14th and sinking a 20 foot putt for a memorable eagle two.
"At that point I was thinking 59," admitted Boyd. "I was saying to my caddie ‘four more birdie chances' but it wasn't to be.
Sweden's Christian Nilsson and Italian teenager Matteo Manassero share second place on 12 under par after rounds of 66 and 67 respectively, with England's Richard Finch (67),
Spain's Alvaro Velasco carded a 68 and is a shot further back.
Boyd's compatriot John Parry, a winner at the Vivendi Cup 2010 last month, was among those on nine under - after also setting the course record with his own eight under 63.
Gareth Maybin recovered some ground on Saturday after carding a round of 69 to finish on 3 under.
Damien McGrane was one under par for the day finishing 1 under overall along with Paul McGinley – who was level for the day – and Michael Hoey who slipped back down the field after a round of 75 - following a double bogey on the 12th hole.
Shane Lowry signed for par a 76 to end Saturday on 3 over par.
