Sergio Garcia saw his lead cut to two shots as the third round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic got under way at Emirates Golf Club.
Half the field had returned to finish their second rounds in the morning after wind disruptions on Friday and Garcia made five birdies and a bogey in his remaining 13 holes to sign for a 67 and get to 12 under.
That gave him a three-shot advantage but South African George Coetzee cut that lead to two courtesy of birdies on the second and third in round three.
The charging Graeme McDowell was then at eight under alongside Prom Messawat, Henrik Stenson and Peter Uihlein.
Garcia's lead was cut to two straight away as he found a bunker with his second shot on the first and, despite playing a lovely shot from the sand, he could not make his par putt.
The 37 year old bounced back with a birdie on the second to re-establish his cushion and Coetzee joined Nacho Elvira three off the lead with a birdie of his own.
The second was yielding gains and Uihlein also got himself to eight under there, with Meesawat joining that group as he took advantage of the par five third. The American - who missed a chunk of last season with a wrist injury - then birdied the third to join the group in second.
Garcia played another excellent bunker shot on the third but again could not take advantage as he settled for par, and Coetzee cut his lead again after an exquisite chip.
More bunker brilliance saved Garcia's par at the fourth but Elvira hit a ragged tee-shot to surrender a double-bogey and tumble down the leaderboard.
McDowell had birdies on the second, third, fifth and seventh, while Uihlein bogyed the fourth and Stenson started with four pars.
Elvira was then at seven under alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick, who turned in 31, Tyrrell Hatton, who was five under through 11 holes, Chris Paisley, Ian Poulter and Brandon Stone.
