Lee Westwood may have waited four years for his last European Tour win but on Sunday he has a chance to make it two in eight days at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
The Englishman's victory at last week's Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player was his first since 2014 but his 24th in total as he continues to cement his place among the European Tour greats.
A bogey-free third-round of 65 at Jumeirah Golf Estates sends him into the final day of the 2018 season just two shots off the lead and he is determined to use all his experience as he goes in search of a second Rolex Series title.
“I just think experience is valuable, whatever you're doing,” said the 2009 champion. “Whenever you've been in a situation before, it's got to help.
“I'm just pleased I shot 65 and got myself in there and closer to the leaders. I was five under and the lead was 11, so I was six behind and now I’m a couple back. It's a big improvement and gives me a chance tomorrow.”
Countryman Jordan Smith is a shot ahead of Westwood after birdeing three of his last five holes in a 69 and he is hopeful he can carry that forward on the Earth Course.
“The last sort of four holes, with those few birdies coming in, I will definitely go into tomorrow with a lot of confidence and looking forward to it,” he said.
“It was pretty important to get myself there for the round tomorrow. It will be nice getting in the final couple of groups and going out there and doing battle.”
Matt Wallace entered the day with a one-shot lead and led by three after a birdie-birdie-birdie start but signed for a 71 to sit alongside Westwood at 12 under.
The Englishman is looking for a fourth win of the season and was eager to quickly banish the memories of a disappointing Saturday.
“I'm forgetting about that now and we go tomorrow,” he said. “I've got 18 holes to play tomorrow and I'm going to try and beat everyone.
“I'm really looking forward to it, I like the challenge and I know what I need to do.”
South African Dean Burmester completed the group two shots off the lead and he was left to rue what might have been after some uncharacteristic errors on the greens.
“I just had three three-putts and that's it,” he said. “To be fair, it was just poor iron shots coming in. I left myself three really hard first putts and that's just how the cookie crumbles.
“It's a 68 at the end of the day and I'm still in the tournament, so I'm pretty happy.”
