Reigning champion Stephen Gallacher of Scotland looks well set to become the first man in 25 years to successfully defend his Omega Dubai Desert Classic title.
Gallacher, began the day four behind Rory McIlroy (69) and three behind Brooks Koepka (70). He was looking out of sorts and contention for the first eight holes with seven pars and one bogey.
Then something fell in place from the ninth, which he birdied to turn in even par 35. On the back stretch, he birdied seven times and eagled the par-5, 13th to return a record-equalling nine-under 27 and a card of nine-under 63 to get 16-under 200.
He now holds a two-shot lead over midway leader and 2009 Dubai Classic winner Rory McIlroy (69). Koepka (70) is tied third at 12-under with Dane Thorbjorn Olesen (65), while three others Steve Webster (64), Edoardo Molinari (68) and Robert Rock (68) are tied fifth at 11-under.
The only Indian left in the field, Shiv Kapur (70) is 47th after a round that had four birdies and two bogeys. At 11 shots behind the leader and lying in tied 37th place, Tiger Woods will require a never-done-before performance to win a third time, after he carded 72 which left him on five under par.
The record for the biggest comeback is four shots - yes, by Woods in 2008. The 39-year-old Gallacher has a great record in Dubai. He was 10th in 2011, second in 2012 and he won in 2013. Now in 2014, in his 14th appearance in Dubai, he is now leading by two strokes after three rounds.
After finishing fourth in his maiden appearance in 2000, he has missed the cut only twice in the next 13 years. A year ago, Gallacher cracked a 10-under 62 in the third round after a 63 in the first and moved into a three shot lead ahead of the final.
