Golf:Lee Westwood came from three behind to one in front as overnight leaders Rory McIlroy and Thomas Bjorn lost their magic at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic today. World number three Westwood will go into the final round 15 under par after a 67 containing seven birdies and two bogeys.

McIlroy managed only a level par 72 and Bjorn went in the water on the last and with three bogeys in his last four holes signed for a 73. That allowed Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher, German Marcel Siem and Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello to be the closest challengers to Westwood.

All three are on 14 under, Gallacher and Siem after rounds of 68 and first round leader Cabrera-Bello following a 70. McIlroy, winner of the title three years ago, was in the water himself on the short seventh and mixed three back-nine birdies with three more bogeys.

He is now in a tie for fourth with world number four Martin Kaymer, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and Swede Joel Sjoholm. Bjorn, trying to repeat his 2001 victory, is down in a tie for ninth, but still has only three strokes to make up.