Ras Al Khaimah Championship - Day three digest

Everything you need to know from day three in Ras Al Khaimah.

Thorbjørn Olesen built a commanding lead, Rasmus Højgaard was relishing a Danish duel with his compatriot in the final round and sandy lies produced mixed results in round three of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

Here is everything you need to know from Saturday at Al Hamra Golf Club.

Olesen out in front

Olesen, a seven-time winner on the DP World Tour, carded a third-round 63 to advance to 22 under par. That was four shots clear of compatriot Rasmus Højgaard, with the Dane having converted six of his seven previous 54-hole leads. Olesen had carded a brilliant 62 on Friday but said after his round: “I thought today I played a lot better (than yesterday). I hit a lot more fairways today, and that gave me the chance to be aggressive with the second shots. It was nice to find so many fairways. It was a great round again.” Olesen is confident he can keep any nerves in check as he looks to re-enter the winner's circle almost a year after his last victory. “I feel pretty comfortable in that position,” he continued. “There’s always going to be nerves, but it’s how you deal with it. I enjoy being in that position. That’s what you practice for as a little kid, to have the chance to win on a Sunday on the DP World Tour.”

Højgaard looking forward to Danish duel

Højgaard, seeking a fifth DP World Tour title, looks the most likely candidate if anyone is to reel in Olesen. Three birdies in a flawless inward 33 have kept the 22-year-old well in contention. “(The par putt on 18) was very important,” Højgaard said after signing for a 68. “My last two holes… I played them not exactly how you would want to. But I managed to hole two very good putts and I feel like I’ve given myself a chance for tomorrow. It was nice to make some birdies on the back nine and I still feel like I’m in contention. I see the leaderboards out there, just trying to play catch up with him and not fall too far behind. It’s nice to see Thorbjørn playing well and it’s nice that we can go out there tomorrow and battle it out.”

Good sand...

Brandon Stone kept himself in contention with this splash out for eagle from a bunker at the fifth. The South African's 67 sends him into the final round on 15 under.

Bad sand...

Remarkably Manuel Elvira managed to move his ball over 120 yards from this horrible lie in the desert.

Driver off the deck alert!

Hats off to Belgium's Matthis Besard, who not only had the courage to pull the driver out halfway down the 18th fairway, but got the execution spot on as well to set-up a closing birdie.