Bradley Dredge and Lee Slattery remained the men to catch on a weather affected third day of the M2M Russian Open.
After play had been delayed by one hour and 35 minutes due to heavy rain at Skolkovo Golf Club, overnight leader Dredge made a strong start to his third round.
The Welshman rolled in from six feet for a birdie at the first before making another gain at the par five third to move onto 12 under par.
Dredge safely parred the next five holes but carded his first bogey of the day at the ninth to reach the turn in 34.
Slattery joined Dredge at the top of the leaderboard on 11 under after nine holes thanks to birdies at the third and fifth.
Meanwhile defending champion David Horsey and Estanislao Goya pulled themselves into contention after steady starts on day three.
Danie van Tonder set the clubhouse lead on seven under par after adding a third round 68 to the back-to-back 69s he shot on Thursday and Friday.
