Golf - European Tour:European number one Lee Westwood promised to take an aggressive approach in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic after claiming a share of the lead today. Westwood joined Alvaro Quiros, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thongchai Jaidee in a four-way tie at 11 under par.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy remains in touch, a round of 69 leaving him two off the lead.
A frustrated Westwood was one over after six holes of his third round but fought back and had a chance to snatch the outright lead at the last but missed a long eagle putt.
“Any time I’m in contention that gets me buzzing and excited,” said Westwood. “I’ll play aggressively, I won’t do anything stupid, but I’ll shoot at the flags that need to be shot at.
“If I keep playing the way I am and get off to a quick start I’m going to have a chance coming down the last nine holes.”
McIlroy heads the chasing pack, with Marcus Fraser (70) and Challenge Tour number one Edoardo Molinari (70) on eight under and Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer lurking a further shot adrift after a bogey-free 68.
Last week in Qatar Westwood headed into the final round just one shot adrift but was left frustrated with a new driver and was forced to settle for third.
But a week later the 36-year-old is much more confident of success after blazing a flawless seven-under-par 65 on Friday, his best score in 50 rounds at Emirates Golf Club.
“It will be a bit of a birdie-fest if it stays like this,” he added. “Hopefully there will be a bit of wind, but all I’m going to do is try and do what I did at the Dubai World Championship and go out and shoot the lowest score of the final day.”
Overnight leader Jaidee missed a string of chances on the back nine after briefly establishing a four-shot lead and was forced to settle for a 69.
“I am not disappointed I am not in the lead outright. I will just play my own game,” said the 40-year-old former paratrooper. “I have a good chance, but it is very close.”