Jose Manuel Lara has a two-shot lead to take into the final round of the UBS Hong Kong Open after taking control in the third round.

The Spaniard, who is chasing a maiden European Tour victory, retained his place at the top of the leaderboard as he carded a faultless four-under-par 66 which included four birdies.

Lara is now on 14-under 196 but just behind him is Juvic Pagunsan, who only failed to finish higher than second due to a double bogey on the ninth.

Otherwise he carded an impressive round with seven birdies, including four in succession, on the way to a four-under-par 66 finish and is on 12-under 198 in total.

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy, who briefly joined playing partner Lara on top of the leaderboard early in the day, carded a one-under-par 69 and is in third place with a 10-under 200.

Defending champion Colin Montgomerie, who had been looking for a big improvement this weekend, shot his worst round of the tournament so far, carding a par 70.

The Scot cancelled out four birdies with four bogeys, including ones on the first and 18th, to leave him at five-under 205 going into the final round.

Miguel Angel Jimenez is on nine under after he carded a four-under-par 66, his best round of the tournament, shooting just one bogey amongst five birdies while compatriot Alejandro Canizares shot the best round of the day with a seven-under-par 63.

"I have been struggling since the win in Russia," he said. "I have just got to stay focused and not get too far ahead of myself. I tend to do that sometimes but I need to stay focused."

Peter Lawrie is the leading Irishman after his 71 left the Dubliner on four under. Damien McGrane's 73 dropped him out of contention and as he now finds himself one shot back from Lawire on three under.

Michael Campbell, who has been suffering from an ankle injury this week, completed the third round with a one-under-par 69 and is on two-under 208 overall.