World No.1 and Scot Richie Ramsay on the heels of Molinari in Shanghai

The Ryder Cup team-mates both posted third-round 67s at Sheshan International GC in Shanghai to leave Molinari leading Westwood by a stroke on 14 under par going into the final day.

Aberdeen's Richie Ramsay is a further five shots behind Westwood, tied for fourth on eight under par alongside Ernie Els and Ross Fisher. Luke Donald is on his own in third on ten under.

"It's probably the best I've played all week, 67's a good score," said Westwood, the world No.1. "I didn't make a bogey so you can't complain. It shows the quality of your golf when you only make two bogeys over 54 holes.

"I'm gradually shaking the rust off, today felt a lot more like normal and my leg feels as good as it's felt all week. We've both played very well, Francesco's a good player and will be tough to hunt down tomorrow but I'm in a decent position and I'll go out with the same attitude of the first three days.

"But you don't discount anybody coming from behind, because I know what it's like. Three years ago, I was ten behind with ten holes to play and I got in a play-off."

Molinari entered the third round one stroke ahead of Westwood but after both players carded birdies at the first, he fell into a tie with the Englishman following a bogey at the fourth.

The Italian hit back to regain the shot at the next and after the duo both claimed birdie fours at the eighth, Molinari moved two clear with another at birdie at the 10th.

The 27-year-old gave it right back at the 12th before the 13th proved to be the pivotal hole of the day as Molinari holed his second shot - a 7-iron from 160 yards - for a crucial eagle.

Westwood shrugged off his opponent's fortune to complete his birdie and although he clawed another shot back at the 15th, both players birdied the last to set up a potentially dramatic final day in Shanghai.

Molinari admitted he got the rub of the green on the 13th but was not taking anything for granted with Westwood in close attendance.

"I think it was a really eventful round, and it was a bit of a roller coaster because I hit some great shots and some not-so-great shots," he said.

"It was obviously good to get some shots back on the 13th. There was a bit of luck to hole it but it was also really a good shot that was aimed straight at the flag."

The duo will be joined by a third member of Europe's triumphant Ryder Cup team in today's final group after Donald posted a 67 to move into third.

Paul Casey climbed to five-under following a 67 but Tiger Woods saw his hopes of lifting the title ended as a 73 left the former world No.1 three under par. Defending champion Phil Mickelson fared even worse, a 76 leaving the American on level par.