Lee Westwood started and finished his third round three strokes ahead of his closest challenger Fredrik Jacobsen after both players carded 2-under par 70s to move to 10 under and 7 under respectively for the tournament.
But Westwood suffered a setback on the fourth hole, pulling a muscle in his back, forcing him to call for treatment.
“I felt it on the second shot on the fourth hole and it was on my mind after that, I wasn't really concentrating on what I should have been," said Westwood.
“But I got physiotherapist Rob Hillman out on the 10th and 11th, he put some spray on it and I took a painkiller and it was fine after that.
“I should be okay on Sunday, I'll come out early and get warmed up properly and have some physio. It's not normally this cold in June so that may have done it, coming from the hot to the cold and spending 10 or 12 hours on a plane doesn't do your back any good.”
Consequently Westwood was unable to capitalise on the relatively benign conditions, although no-one was able to make significant inroads into his lead.
“The course was there for the taking," Westwood admitted. "At the start of the day I thought if I'd shot 70 then my lead would have been closed down more than it was. I'm quite surprised to be still three in front.”
Andrew Oldcorn moved up into third place with a best-of-the-day 66 and remained upbeat about his chances of overhauling Westood. “If I play like I did today, I can win,” said the naturalised Scotsman.
But Westwood will probably be keeping a keen eye on his friend and stable-mate Darren Clarke who is one spot further back at 4 under par after a third-round 68. Clarke came from six shots behind earlier this month to snatch the Compass Group English Open from Westwood’s grasp.
