Whiteford on the charge in Moscow

Peter Whiteford

The Scotsman, who slipped to third on the leaderboard after going round in a one-under-par 71 on Friday, gave himself a great chance of winning his first European Tour title with Saturday's excellent showing.

Whiteford, who picked up a stroke on the first with a superb bunker shot, recorded five birdies and an eagle in an outstanding front nine at the Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club in Moscow.

And, although he dropped a shot on the 10th, the 33-year-old finished on 13 under par after birdieing the 17th.

"I had an amazing start," Whiteford said. "I holed a bunker shot on the first and then chipped in on the third. Dave [Horsey] chipped in as well – he stole some of my glory there! 

"I got off to a flyer and then the back nine I was just hanging on for dear life. The swing didn't feel great at all to be honest. 

"I'm hoping I wake up tomorrow with a better swing. I had a lot of good luck today."

Horsey had led by two shots at the halfway mark, but will share the leading going into the final round after shooting a 70 on day three.

The Englishman made a statement of intent as he made a birdie at the first hole and another at the third, but dropped a shot at the ninth after finding the rough to the right of the green with his approach shot.

He responded immediately by making birdies at the next two holes to go two strokes clear once again, but dropped shots at 13 and 15 before clawing one back on the penultimate green.

Andrea Pavan soared into third place with a sublime 64 - the best round of the week - and the Italian could do with a repeat performance on Sunday when he will start his final round four shots adrift of the leading duo.

Scott Jamieson and Thomas Pieters are level with Pavan on nine under after carding 69 and 72 respectively.

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