Jordan Smith remains on course for a wire-to-wire victory at the Portugal Masters after producing a brilliant 62 on Saturday to head into the final round with a two-shot lead.
The Englishman played beautifully on day three, chipping in for an eagle from the rough at the 15th as well as carding eight birdies and just the one bogey to reach 22 under par.
Fellow halfway co-leader Gavin Green did his best to stick with Smith on another day of low scoring, carding an eagle, six birdies and one bogey in a stunning 64, but could not stop his playing partner from building up a decent cushion ahead of the last round.
Smith has enjoyed a wonderful 2022 campaign so far, recording two runner-up finishes, but has yet to win a title this year – with his only DP World Tour crown coming at the 2017 Porsche European Open.
The 29-year-old also has a top-ten spot on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex in his sights, having started the week 14th in the standings.
Green was Smith’s closest challenger on 20 under, three clear of third-placed Sebastian Heisele, who is preparing to play his last DP World Tour round ahead of his retirement from playing.
The German, who will move into coaching after Sunday’s final round, made an eagle and four birdies in his third-round 65 to give himself a great chance of finishing on a high.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who began the week 160th on the Rankings, some way shy of the magic mark of 117th, is among those in a tie for fourth on 15 under as he battles to retain his card.
Richard Sterne is the highest-placed South Africa on eight under (T45) followed by Wilco Nienaber and Daniel van Tonder on seven under.
– Report from DP World Tour website
