Welshman Stuart Manley moved into a two-shot lead midway through the third day at the Finnish Challenge as he carded seven birdies in his opening 12 holes to threaten a new course record at Kytäjä Golf, in Hyvinkää outside Finland.
Manley began the day three shots off the lead but his third round caught fire early on as he carded four consecutive birdies from the second hole to throw the gauntlet down to the other title contenders.
In perfect conditions at the southern Finland venue, the 34 year old birdied two more at the seventh and ninth holes to reach the turn in five under par before he gained two more shots at the tenth and 12th holes to climb to the summit on 17 under.
There were three players close behind, however, as Scotsman Duncan Stewart was four under through 12, Jens Fahrbring five under through 12 and second round leader Brandon Stone two under through 11, leaving all three in tied second on 15 under par.
Promising young Dutchman Daan Huizing was launching himself into contention in spectacular fashion as the 21 year old carded nine birdies in 16 holes to reach the 17th tee eight under par for the day and 14 under for the tournament, three shots back.
