Martin Kaymer is pleased with his position heading into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The German, an 11-time European Tour winner, is five shots behind leader Tyrrell Hatton after producing a flawless 65 at St Andrews on Saturday.
Kaymer, who began the day six shots behind midway leader Ross Fisher after posting scores of 71 and 68 on Thursday and Friday, safely parred the first four holes before making gains at the fifth, sixth, eighth and ninth to reach the turn in 32.
The 31 year old then rattled off three straight birdies from the 12th to move to 12 under.
And Kaymer, who is playing alongside his father this week, was happy with his performance on day three.
He said: "I played really solid. It was a tricky start but I made a couple of par saves on two and three and really got it going from the fifth hole.
"I made a couple of long putts on eight and then on 13, but overall I played solid.
"I gave myself plenty of chances and today was a good day for the team because we made the cut, finally, which makes my dad very happy, and for myself, I think I'm in a good position for tomorrow."
Kaymer's fellow countryman Florian Fritsch is also on 12 under after making nine birdies and two bogeys at Carnoustie.
After producing a superb 65 at the course widely regarded as the toughest of the three host venues, Fritsch said: "I got the putter going today. I holed a lot of putts.
"I guess that's what you have to do around here. I guess Alex Noren mentioned something similar when he shot his eight-under. I don't think you go around here shooting eight-under without holing any putts, so that was the key for today."
The German pair are in a share of fifth place, just one shot behind South African Richard Sterne and Joakim Lagergren in tied third.
Sterne, playing at the Old Course, covered the front nine in 32 after picking up shots at the first, third, sixth and seventh.
He rolled in from close range for a birdie at the tenth before making back-to-back gains at the 12th and 13th on his way to a bogey-free 65.
Sterne was happy with his display. He said: "It was pretty benign weather, so you had to take advantage today and fortunately I did. I made a few good putts at the right time and a couple of par saves, which kept things going."
Lagergren, beginning his third round from the tenth tee at St Andrews, recovered from a bogey at the 11th with three birdies in his next four holes.
The Swede made a disappointing double bogey at the tricky 17th but bounced straight back once again with a gain at the 18th.
Lagergren then made three birdies and a bogey on his back nine to complete his round in 69 shots.
