Lee Westwood plans a desert storm after third-round charge in Dubai

Published on Saturday 6 February 2010 20:11

EUROPEAN No.1 Lee Westwood promised to take an aggressive approach in today's final round of the Dubai Desert Classic after claiming a share of the lead yesterday.

The world No.4 dropped just one shot in a four-under-par 68 to join Spanish duo Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jimenez and Asian No.1 Thongchai Jaidee in a four-way tie at 11 under par.

Westwood was one over after six holes of his third round but fought back and had a chance to snatch the outright lead at the last but missed a long eagle putt.

"Any time I'm in contention that gets me buzzing and excited," said Westwood. "I'll play aggressively, I won't do anything stupid, but I'll shoot at the flags that need to be shot at.

"If I keep playing the way I am and get off to a quick start I'm going to have a chance coming down the last nine."

Defending champion Rory McIlroy heads the chasing pack after a 69, with Marcus Fraser (70) and Challenge Tour No.1 Edoardo Molinari (70) on eight under and Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer lurking a further shot adrift after a bogey-free 68.

A week ago in Qatar Westwood headed into the final round just one shot adrift but was left frustrated with a new driver and was forced to settle for third. But the 36-year-old is much more confident of success after blazing a flawless seven-under-par 65 on Friday.

Overnight leader Jaidee missed a string of chances on the back nine after briefly establishing a four-shot lead and was forced to settle for a 69.

Stephen Gallacher was the leading Scot with a fine round of 67 which left him six off the lead at five under. Ross Bain, 73 for level par, and David Drysdale, 72 for two over, are in his wake.

Italian amateur Matteo Manassero continued to flourish with a 71, pushing the 16-year-old to four under, with 60-year-old Tom Watson two shots further back after ending his third round 71 with a double bogey.