Justin Rose is in the box seat to win the Abu Dhabi Championship after extending his lead in the third round as Australian Andrew Dodt leapt into the top 10 on Saturday. World number five Rose, however, shot a four-under 68 to be 12-under for the tournament, holding a two-stroke advantage over Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Denmark&aposs Thorbjorn Olesen while Thailand&aposs Thongchai Jaidee is a further stroke back in fourth at nine under. Rose set the course alight with five birdies in six holes between the fourth and the ninth but suffered a minor setback with three bogeys. “Things went well throughout the whole day and I really felt in control,” he said. “I was actually surprised to make three bogeys on a day where I felt so good about my game. “It&aposs a great opportunity in the first tournament of the year but I&aposm putting no pressure on myself to win. “I just want to keep swinging freely and keep up the work with the putter.” Scot Richie Ramsay, England&aposs David Howell and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano were further back in equal fifth at eight under. Australian Dodt, meanwhile, fired an impressive seven-under 65 to climb 28 places on Saturday as he joins a group of three players in a share of eighth at seven under. Dodt produced an almost flawless round, however, his only blemish coming in the 17th hole. The Australian finds himself level with New Zealand&aposs Michael Campbell, who posted a three-under 69 round on Saturday. Three strokes further back at four under for the tournament; Marcus Fraser (69) is the next best of the Australasian contingent. Fellow Aussie Richard Green is also on even par after producing a two-under 70 round on Saturday, but his second round 75 has put him out of contention completely. World number one Rory McIlroy and world number two Tiger Woods are out of contention after missing the cut on Friday.
Author: Omnisport