Argentina’s Angel Cabrera moved to the top of the leaderboard with a five-under par third round 67 in the Qatar Masters today.
The Argentine is joined by Robert Karlsson on a 13-under par total 203. The Swede recorded a two-under par 70 in the often windy conditions on the Doha course.
Cabrera, who is still seeking his first tournament victory, is widely respected among his peers on the European Tour.
While the two leading Irishmen in the field did not set Qatar alight, they returned steady rounds to consolidate their position going into the last round.
Paul McGinley and Eamonn Darcy are both tied on seven-under par after rounds of 71 and 72 respectively.Lying just six shots adrift of the leaders, both will feel the tournament is still very much within reach.
McGinley has fond memories of Qatar considering his top ten finish in this event 12 months ago.Similarly, Darcy is playing with new found confidence as his 12thplace finish in Dubai last week illustrates.
Fellow countryman, Des Smyth is one shot further back on six-under.The veteran’s cause was assisted by an impressive four-under 68 this afternoon.
David Higgins is having a consistent tournament.Two level par rounds and an opening round 70, leaves the Waterville player on two-under, 214.