Graeme McDowell trails Ross Fisher by three shots after two dropped shots late in his third round at the London Club meant he had to settle for a 69, while Padraig Harrington shot a 69 as he bids to secure an automatic call-up to Nick Faldo's Ryder Cup team.

At 16-under-par Fisher is unlikely to be challenged by anyone but MCDowell tomorrow, for the nearest competitor after the Ulsterman is David frost on 10 under after a 69 from the South African.

Ireland's Paul McGinley who, like Harrington, needs a big performance moved to eight under with a 71 and Rory McIlroy remains on six under after a 72.

Gary Murphy shot a 73 to drop to level par, while Sergio Garcia's challenge faltered late on as he slumped to a 74.

Harrington, who also needs a strong finish ahead of the defence of his British Open title this month, reached the turn in five under thanks to birdies at the first, sixth and eighth, and an eagle on the fifth.

Only the top 10 in the order of merit earn automatic places in Faldo's team at the end of August, but with Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie all outside as well, Harrington knows the importance of pushing for as many points as he can get, even when a tournament might be out of his reach.

He will, therefore, be especially disappointed with his back nine after going out in 31. Dropped shots on the 10th, 12th, 14th and 18th may prove costly despite another eagle on the 15th.

The Dubliner, though, was quick to take the positives out of the day.

"The game is in far better shape than at any stage last year," he said. "This is a good fore-runner for The Open — as close to links golf as a parklandcourse is going to get."

A brilliant closing birdie - the only one all day on the 471-yard 18th - ensured Fisher's three shot lead.

After battling all day with both McDowell and 25mph gusts, the 27-year-old from Wentworth took full advantage of the Ulsterman driving into the lake on the last.

The hole had wreaked havoc with Colin Montgomerie, Harrington and Justin Rose among its victims, but Fisher hit a superb drive and then an approach to eight feet.

The putt gave him a 69 to add to his course record 63 and Friday's 68 for a 54-hole total of 200.