Graeme McDowell of Portrush and Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin share the lead on Saturday night and will be paired together once more in the final round of the Andalucia Valderrama Masters on Sunday.
The Northern Ireland duo enjoyed a battle throughout Saturday’s round three - which began with McDowell two shots ahead of his fellow countryman and the US Open champion looked set to retain that advantage but for a double bogey at the 18th that saw him slip back to join Maybin on six under.
Maybin, who came second in Korea earlier this year in Jeiju, is seeking his first European Tour title and showed resolve to bounce back from bogeys on his first two holes with birdies at the third, fourth and ninth – with pars thereafter - to complete a round of 70.
McDowell on the other hand mixed five birdies with two bogeys and two double bogeys to sign for a 72.
Damien McGrane and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez share third place on two under following rounds of 70 and 71 respectively.
On a day where nobody in the field managed to keep a bogey off their card, Sergio Garcia proved steadier than most as he posted a 69 to move into a tie for fifth. The Spaniard’s only dropped shot came at the ninth, with birdies at five, 11 and 13 lifting him to one under for the tournament.
Garcia said: “We all know how difficult this course is, particularly the back nine, and I am happy the way I played.
“I felt very at ease, very calm and confident, and that means a lot to me, as it was not an easy day.”
Alongside Garcia was Thomas Bjorn, who mixed four birdies with four bogeys in a 71.
Sweden’s Niclas Fasth however- who had occupied third position following a 66 in round two - slipped out of contention with six bogeys on the back nine.
Race to Dubai leader Martin Kaymer showed signs of improvement in a third round 70, but it appears he will have to wait for another chance to claim the World Number One ranking.
Kaymer needs to win or share second place with no more than one other player if he, rather than the absent Lee Westwood, is to succeed Tiger Woods when the American's 281-week reign ends on Monday, but the German is nine behind the leaders on three over.
Shane Lowry carded a level par round to remain on 2 over par overall.
Darren Clarke carded a 75 to fall back to 4 over par.
Michael Hoey dropped six shots – including a double bogey on the second – to sign for a 77 and finish six over par.
Peter Lawrie carded a 74 after three bogeys and is one shot adrift of Hoey on 7 over par in 45th place. For the Dubliner the memories are now very distant of being one of the early leaders at the punishing Sotogrande course on Thursday.
