Pedro Linhart and Diego Borrego took charge of the Madeira Island Open at Santo da Serra by turning the tournament into a Spanish duel going into the final round.
Linhart fired a third round 71 in the gathering gloom for an 11 under par total of 205, which gives him a one stroke lead over his compatriot Borrego, who moved into contention with a round of 68.
The two Spaniards will be chased on the last day by a pack of six players - Stephen Field, David Howell, Andrew Coltart, Padraig Harrington, Alberto Binaghi and Mark James.
Field bogeyed the last after the final group had been given the option of completing their round in the darkness. Linhart had birdied the 16th to move two ahead of the field, but Borrego hit back with a two at the 17th to get within a shot of Linhart.
Linhart admitted: “I played all right but didn’t knock in as many putts as I did the previous day when I shot 64. I made two stupid bogeys at the first and eighth but apart from that I played pretty good.”
Borrego added: “I couldn’t see anything on the last it was so dark. We were told by a referee on the 17th that we could finish if we wanted to and we all said that we did. I feel confident. If I hit the ball the same way as I have in the first three rounds then I feel I have a chance.”
The chasing pack includes some proven winners in Howell, who landed the Dubai Desert Classic a few weeks ago, Coltart, Harrington and Ryder Cup captain James.
Howell fired a 70 after making two uncharacteristic errors on the back nine, while James had an eagle and a birdie in a blemish-free 69.
Coltart moved up with a 68 while Harrington and Binaghi both carded 66s to climb right into contention. All feel they have a chance to overhaul the leaders in what promises to be a thrilling final day.
