Kiwi Ryan Fox is chasing his third victory of a career year on the European Tour, tied for the lead into the final round of the Mallorca Open in Spain.
Lying a shot off the lead overnight, Fox, 35, carded six birdies in a faultless round of 65 to pass English rival Dale Whitnell, but could not withstand charging German Yannik Paul, who fired three eagles on his way to 62.
Fox's only bogey this week came on his opening hole of the first round. He made birdies at six, eight, back-to-back at 10 and 11, then 13 and 17, narrowly missing a chance at taking outright lead on 18.
Fox and Paul both sit at 16-under, with Whitnell and countryman Marcus Armitage two strokes back. Fellow Englishman Richard Mansell recorded a course record 61 to lie another shot back if fifth.
"Really solid," observed Fox. "I probably only hit two bad shots - the tee-shot at the first and the tee-shot on the 14th.
"I gave myself plenty of chances again. Maybe felt like I left a couple out there, but also made a few as well.
"It's always good to go bogey-free again. It's probably a record for me, that many holes bogey-free so far this week.
"Hopefully, I can continue that tomorrow."
Currently ranked third on the tour standings, the Kiwi has provisionally moved up a spot with his performance at this event, trailling only superstar Rory McIlroy.
"Obviously I'd like to get closer to Rory McIlroy and give him a bit of a run, but it's nice knowing, going into Dubai, that I sort of hold it in my own hands. If I can go and win that event, I can probably win the Harry Vardon Trophy.
"It's certainly a position I didn't expect to be in at the start of the year. I'm trying to treat these last couple of events - this one and Nedbank - that I can try to get as close as possible and try to make it a bit more interesting.
"Regardless, I'm pretty happy to be here, and tomorrow I'll just go out and do what I've done all year, just try to beat the golf course and see what happens."
