Rory McIlroy and Thomas Björn continued to share the lead on day three of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, but found an in-form Lee Westwood hot on their heels at the Emirates course.
McIlroy, the winner of this event three years ago, birdied the second hole today to move to 14 under and was soon joined on that mark when fellow overnight leader Björn made four at the par five third.
World Number Three Westwood was just one shot back, however. After finishing his second round 65 with three successive birdies, the Englishman resumed with three more in the first four holes.
A star-studded top five was completed by 2010 US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer and Rafael Cabrera-Bello, the former picking up a shot on the short fourth to join the Spaniard on 12 under.
Romain Wattel, who recorded an eagle and five birdies yesterday in an eventful 71, was another to enjoy a fine start to his third round.
The 21 year old Frenchman birdied each of his first four holes to reach 11 under, putting him in a share of sixth with Grégory Bourdy, Scott Jamieson and Stephen Gallacher.
