Joost Luiten was making himself right at home as a bogey free 67 put him in contention to win the Oman Open for the second time at Al Mouj Golf.
The Dutchman won the inaugural event in 2018 before finishing in a tie for 12th last season, and he will head into the final 18 holes in 2020 in a six way tie for the lead.
He birdied the first but then made nine pars in a row before birdieing the 11th and holing a very long putt at the 12th. His tee shot on the next almost brought a hole-in-one and he got up and down on the 16th to join the group at 11 under.
The six time European Tour winner has as many victories as his five co leaders combined and is looking to use all that experience on Sunday.
"It always helps when you have won the tournament before but I think winning in general helps you go through the motions and the feeling of winning a tournament," he said. "I’m just going to enjoy it; you’ve got to enjoy the tension that comes with trying to win.
"I love it here and feel comfortable so I just need to make sure I play simple golf tomorrow.
“I had a good start with the birdie at the first but after that I just didn’t hole any putts. I created a lot of chances but they just wouldn’t drop. The funny thing is I had putts that were further away on 11 and 12 and they went in which kick started my round."
Brandon Stone was playing alongside Luiten and he too posted a bogey free 67 to hit the summit.
“It was a very solid round that was very consistent and to be bogey free again is sensational for me," he said.
"It’s been three amazing days on a great golf course with plenty of good scoring.
"I’ll probably head to the gym tonight and do some recovery work and maybe have a cup of coffee and an early dinner. I might watch a movie and I’m sure the wife will have something planned for dinner and then back on it tomorrow.”
