Graeme McDowell reached 17 under on day two of the UBS Hong Kong Open with three birdies on the back nine - and an eagle three on the 10th - to level with Ian Poulter and shared the lead.
However Ian Poulter produced a super finish with birdies on seventeen and eighteen to go into Sunday’s final round with a two stroke advantage over the McDowell at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling course – chasing a tenth European Tour title.
After embarking on a birdie blitz round the Fanling course on Friday in a career-best 60, Poulter found chances a little harder to come by as he recorded a six under par 64 to sit 19 under.
The Ryder Cup star picked up shots on the second and 13th, as well as an eagle three on the par five third.
But it was his the birdie-birdie finish, with putts of 12 feet on the penultimate hole and 18 feet at the last that put the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play winner two clear of Graeme McDowell – who shot an impressive round of 63.
Simon Dyson signed for a 65 to sit third on 16 under, one ahead of Rory McIlroy and Anthony Kan
Rory Mclroy signed for a 66 and dropped the one shot early on at the second to finish on 15 under.
Darren Clarke continued where he left of Friday to add another 64 on Saturday for share of 14th place.
Michael Hoey is 8 under – after carding a 69 - ahead of Sunday and joins Damien McGrane, who signed for a 67, and Gareth Maybin - who finished with a 68.
Peter Lawrie was two over par for the day and 2 under overall after a round of 72.
Paul McGinley double bogeyed the 10th and 14th to finish with a 73 and remain level for the tournament.
