Spain's Alejandro Canizares carded a five-under-par 67 today to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Russian Open, while Ireland's Gary Murphy shot 68 to remain three shots off the lead.
Canizares leads on 16-under-par 200 from fellow Spaniard Carlos Rodiles and Scotland's David Drysdale, two of the three overnight leaders, who both shot 69s. Murphy, who was three behind at the start of the day, remains three back on 13-under in fifth.
Canizares, 23, playing in only his third European Tour event, had some luck saving a par on the 548-yard par-five 17th at the Le Meridien Country Club in Moscow.
"I got very lucky there," said the son of former Ryder Cup winner Jose-Maria Canizares. "I drove the ball into the water from the tee, took a penalty drop, then hit the ball over the hill and it was going into the water again but it was stopped by the drainage tank.
"I got a free drop from there and then got down in two so I was very lucky," added Canizares, who finished tied for seventh at last week's Dutch Open
Drysdale, who equalled the course record with 10-under-par 62 on Thursday, was disappointed with his effort after making just four birdies and bogeying the 14th.
"I had a terrible finish so I'm not too happy at the moment," said the 31-year-old, still looking for his first European Tour victory.
Dubliner Stephen Browne is also well-placed after today's 67 left him on 10 under. David Higgins lost ground on the leaders after his 72 kept the Kerryman on seven under, three better than Michael Hoey who shot 73.
Defending champion Mikael Lundberg of Sweden, who began the day tied for sixth three shots back, remained in contention with a 70 at 205.
This year the Russian Open became a fully fledged European Tour event for the first time in its 13-year history with €1million in prize money.
