For the second day running Ernie Els slipped up at the par five 18th to allow Scotland's Alastair Forsyth and England's David Lynn into a share of the lead going into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
On the back of four wins from his first five events this year the big South African birdied the 15th and 16th and then drove the green at the downwind 359-yard 17th and two putted to assume the outright lead and looked to have the overnight lead secured.
But then the world number two and defending champion carded another bogey six on the 547-yard 18th to gift Forsyth and Lynn a share of the lead on 13-under par 203.
"He showed he is human and does make mistakes," said Forsyth, who had built up a three-stroke lead with his outward 32, but had to settle for a 69 like the other two.
"There's always a fear that Ernie will go away, but it does not seem to be happening here," stated Lynn who knows what Els is still capable off. "All eyes will be on him tomorrow, so I will just see what I can do."
Els went in the lake for his closing six in the second round. He carried the water this time, but only just and the ball came to rest on top of the wall lining the hazard.
After thinking of playing the shot with the toe-end of his putter he chipped it, but the ball ran to the back of the green and from there he three-putted for the third time in his round.
"I thought the ball would come out flying with my second shot (a six-iron with a 195-yard carry), but I took a chance and it was a yard short," said Els. "I still messed it up, though. The chip was not all that difficult, but I don't think I've ever had to play a shot like that.
"The course was a lot tougher today. Some of the flags were a little crazy and the greens had to be a foot or two feet quicker. I don't think they watered them at all and although I like it, it would have been nice if they had warned us.
"I'm swinging it good and mentally I am pretty good. I'm maybe a little over-aggressive here and there, but to win is what we are here for. It would mean a lot. You just want to keep going and I just want to get better."
There were no moves from Irish Ryder Cup trio Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley. Clarke could only manage a level par 72 and remains on five-under.
Harrington, who blamed poor early season concentration for not figuring more on the first two days, had a 71 to lie two under, while Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley four-putted from 15 feet on the 18th for his second double bogey seven of the back nine, a 77 and two over aggregate.
The home challenge is spear-headed by the lesser-known Irishman Peter Lawrie. The challenge Tour graduate carded an aggressive 67 to move within five shots of the lead on eight-under.
PA