Day three digest: Portugal Masters

Everything you need to know from the third round at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.

Stone stayed on a roll, the bubble boys continued to battle and Burmester went from one close shave to another in Vilamoura.

Here is everything you need to know from moving day in Portugal.

Stone keeps rolling on route 66

Brandon Stone fired a third consecutive 66 to open up a two shot lead and there was not a more laid back man on the Algarve. Despite a poor season so far by his high standards, the South African has no concerns over his card and has spoken of how much he has been enjoying his time on the beach this week. He has been all business on the course, however, and he will head into Sunday looking for a fourth European Tour title at 15 under. But not until he and a few of the seven South Africans in the top 16 have watched the Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales. "There’s a strong contingent of South African players who will be watching the rugby together tomorrow morning," he said. "At the end of that we’ll go out and play 18 holes and see where we end up."

One more test for the bubble boys

And so it comes down to this. After a long season, 18 holes remain for those fighting to keep their playing privileges. The top 115 in the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex will be guaranteed a card, while there could be further reprieves depending on how things shake out. Oliver Fisher is almost home and hosed in a provisional 76th, while Justin Walters will need another solid round from his projected placing of 103rd. Steven Brown carded the joint lowest round on Saturday with a 65 to move into fourth for the week but will need to go low again from a provisional 124th in the Rankings. "I need to have such a good week to keep my card that it might have relaxed me a little bit and it’s me getting ready for Tour School and building my confidence for that," he said. "It’s a good job I’ve got another day."

Burmester hoping for a close shave

Dean Burmester's beard does not match Andrew 'Beef' Johnston's just yet and the South African will be hoping it never does. He has vowed to keep growing it until he claims European Tour win number two and he will head into Sunday just two back after a 65. "I’m growing this beard until I win again," he said. "I spoke to Tony Johnstone and he said he was growing his for five years - I hope mine’s a bit shorter. I don’t like the itch too much - it’s a reminder to keep going and play better. Since I’ve had it, I’ve been playing nicely."

Speaking of close shaves.............

Burmester was this close to an ace on the eighth. It's a cruel game.

Cruz control

The biggest cheer of the day? This for local favourite Tiago Cruz. Boom!