Wilco Nienaber will share a one-stroke lead with Garrick Porteous and Alexander Levy heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.
Englishman Porteous and Frenchman Levy posted six under par rounds of 64 on Saturday to climb to the top of the leaderboard on 17-under-par, before South African Nienaber joined them at the summit after carding a four-under 66.
Overnight leader Nienaber, who carded a course record 10-under-par second round of 60, was pleased to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard despite missing a number of birdie putts in round three.
“I definitely left a few out there today but I didn’t make any bogeys and overall, I played very solid,” he said.
“I wasn’t too sure what to expect today after going so low yesterday. I tried to focus on each hole at a time and I’m happy with four-under-par, I think it’s a good score.
“I’m excited for the final round tomorrow. I know I could have gone lower today and I’m looking to convert some more of those chances in round four.”
The leading trio are one shot ahead of Dane Nicolai Kristensen, Ireland’s Conor Purcell, and South African Oliver Bekker, who share fourth place on 16-under-par.
England’s John Parry sits in seventh position at 15-under-par, while Englishman Curtis Knipes, Spaniard Quim Vidal and Danes Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Sebastian Friedrichsen are a shot further back in eighth.
Deon Germishuys made an eagle and two birdies in his four-under-par 66 to move to a share of 17th on 12-under, while Justin Walters was on 11-under in a share of 22nd after a level-par 70. Dylan Mostert and JJ Senekal were on 10-under in a share of 31st after rounds of 68 each.
