Stunning 64 lifts Purcell to within one as he hunts maiden Challenge Tour win

Conor Purcell is just one shot off the lead heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.

Purcell fired a blistering round of 64 to move to sixteen-under-par while Garrick Porteous will share a one-stroke lead with Wilco Nienaber and Alexander Levy.

Purcell birdied the fourth, fifth and seventh holes before roaring to the clubhouse with three closing birdies to put him in with a great chance of notching his maiden Challenge Tour title.

Englishman Porteous and Frenchman Levy posted six under par rounds of 64 to climb to the top of the leaderboard on 17 under par, before South African Nienaber joined them at the summit after carding a four under 66.

Porteous, who resides in the UAE, highlighted his strong approach play as the key for his success so far this week in Al Ain.

“My approach play has been a lot better this week than it has been”, he said. “I’ve been making the most of my opportunities that have been presented to me.

“It’s quite an accessible golf course and generous off the tee, so you’ve got to be very dialled in with your second shots.

“I did it really well yesterday, I think I had five or six that were pretty much stiff, and then I had a couple today. It always makes life easier.”

Overnight leader Nienaber, who carded a course record ten under par second round of 60, was pleased to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard despite missing a number of birdie putts in round three.

“I definitely left a few out there today but I didn’t make any bogeys and overall, I played very solid,” he said.

“I wasn’t too sure what to expect today after going so low yesterday. I tried to focus on each hole at a time and I’m happy with four under par, I think it’s a good score.

“I’m excited for the final round tomorrow. I know I could have gone lower today and I’m looking to convert some more of those chances in round four.”

England’s John Parry sits in seventh position at 15 under par, while Englishman Curtis Knipes, Spaniard Quim Vidal and Danes Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Sebastian Friedrichsen are a shot further back in eighth.

Gary Hurley is nine shots off the pace on eight-under after a round of 68 left him in 44th place.

Dermot McElroy is a shot further back after a disappointing round of 72 brought his chances to an end while 19-year-old Daniel Mulligan is alongside him after a solid round of 67.

Mark Power props up the field on one-under.