Markus Brier doubled his advantage during the early stages of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy third round.
One ahead overnight, the 42 year old Austrian was in the trees at the 591 yard first, but salvaged a par and it was playing partner Darren Fichardt who made the initial mistake, failing to get up and down from just short of the second green.
The World Number 478's two shot lead was not just over South African Fichardt, as Thomas Björn - round in 65 on Friday - had chipped to three feet on the first and parred the next three.
The Dane's playing partner, defending champion Robert Karlsson surprisingly fell five back, driving against a tree down the second and double-bogeying to return to three under.
Spaniard Rafael Cabrera Bello produced an impressive round of 66 to climb 29 places to a tie for fourth on five under.
And his compatriot Alvaro Quiros - first and second on his last two outings over the Doha course - was also surging through the field.
The big-hitting World Number 46 had two birdies in an outward 34, before an eagle at the tenth and birdie at the next took him to five under for the week with seven holes remaining.
