Matteo Manassero put himself in contention to break Bernard Gallacher's 42-year record as the youngest winner of The European Tour's flagship tournament with another fine display over Wentworth Club's West Course.
The 18 year old Italian defied tricky conditions to post a one under par 70 and join Luke Donald and Alvaro Quiros on six under at the BMW PGA Championship.
Gallacher was 20 when he first lifted the title in 1969, and Manassero could well be setting some more history come Sunday night, having already become the youngest-ever European Tour winner last October.
"I think it's a course where you have to be conservative, and attacking, obviously, attacking the right moment," he said.
"It's a tough course. It suits me well, though. I like the shape. I like the way you have to hit shots and the way you have to put the ball in position to score well.
"So it's a course that suits me. I think it's difficult, but I think it's less difficult than some other courses that don't suit me at all. I like the course - that's why I maybe find it a bit easier than someone else.
"It's not a long hitter's course, not at all. You have to draw a little bit the ball, and that's what I'm doing well this week. So, you know, I think it's a good course for me, and I just like it."
Manassero was one of many to be wearing navy blue in tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros, on the 20th anniversary of the Spaniard's second title at the home of The European Tour.
"I think it gives me inspiration all the time," he added. "Especially today, we were remembering. But I think we can remember him every day. He was a special golfer. He was a genius.
"He stays in my heart and he has been my idol and he will always inspire me, as he will do with other young guys, I'm sure.
"I've never led such a big event. This is really important for us on The European Tour and I think it's going to be a big crowd, two good players leading with me. I will be nervous, and I will enjoy it. I will, as I say before, take a lot of experience, but I will fight to keep the lead. I will fight to stay in the same position on Sunday."
