Dubai resident Garrick Porteous will share a one-stroke lead with Wilco Nienaber and Alexander Levy heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.

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 moved to the UAE last September, 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.”

The leading trio are one-shot ahead of Dane Nicolai Kristensen, Ireland’s Conor Purcell, and South African Oliver Bekker, who share fourth place on 16 under par.

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.

Round four gets under way at 7:30am local time, with Porteous, Nienaber and Levy set to tee off in the final group at 9:30am.

Golf fans are encouraged to come along to tomorrow’s final round of the Abu Challenge and next week’s UAE Challenge, which are supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Phoenix Capital and Al Laith, to see the stars of tomorrow in action with entry free of charge and no ticket required.

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