Padraig Harrington moved into seventh place at the end of day three of the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions in China carding a two under par round of 70 - for a 6 under par total – and eight shots adrift of the leader, Francesco Molinari on 14 under.
For the third day in succession Francesco Molinari leads Lee Westwood by one shot at Sheshan International with both players shooting five under par rounds of 67 and now clear of the chasing pack.
The Ryder Cup teammates both birdied their opening hole and Westwood was briefly level after his 27 year old Italian playing partner dropped a shot at the fourth. But Molinari responded with a birdie at the fifth to restore his advantage before both players gained a stroke at the par five eighth.
While Westwood was producing a bogey-free round, Molinari's card was more varied as he birdied the tenth only to then bogey the 12th before holing his approach at the 14th for eagle. Westwood responded with birdies at the 13th and 15th to keep the deficit to one, and at the 16th the reigning Race to Dubai champion should have pulled level.
Both players birdied the par five last, with Molinari's improved form with the putter continuing with an eight foot downhill effort while Westwood chipped his third shot to within 12 inches.
Westwood's compatriot Luke Donald played himself into the final group for the closing round with a bogey-free 68 which left him ten under for the week - four shots off the pace.
Ross Fisher, Ernie Els and Richie Ramsay are tied for fourth a shot further back making the top six comprised entirely of European Tour Members.
Rory McIlroy was three under overall after a third consecutive round of 71 along with Tiger Woods who finished a round of 73.
Phil Mickelson signed for a 76 to drop back to level par for the tournament.
Martin Kaymer of Germany suffered a double bogey on the par-five 18th to sign for a 74 and retain a one under total for the event.
Graeme McDowell was one over par for the day – after a 73 - to finish Saturday two over par for the tournament.
