Abu Dhabi: Paul Casey looks set to end his 24-month wait for a win and lay his hands on the Falcon Trophy after he scorched the National Course with a nine-under par third round score of 63.
The Englishman, who says he is very relaxed after his marriage last month, carries a four-stroke lead over defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany into today's final round in the US$ two million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
It was classic stuff from the man, who has already bettered his 17-under par score in 2007 to win here, with a 19-under par score and was in amazing form playing in the lead group.
Casey started with two birdies, then almost matched his second round run of six birdies in seven holes with five birdies in seven holes and later finished off with two more birdies to outshine overnight leaders Richard Green of Australia and compatriot Graeme Storm.
"It would be very nice to win here again. ALDAR are my sponsors and they are changing the face of Abu Dhabi with what they are building here - it would be very nice to get a win for me and for them. I'm very happy, I'm playing good golf, it's great to be having fun and it's nice having them enjoy watching me play," said Casey.
Meanwhile, defending champion Kaymer played some steady golf as he birdied and then eagled the 7th and 8th holes and then in the back nine birdied the 11th and 12th and finished off with birdies on the final two holes for a error-free but crucial round of seven under 65.
Outlining his game plan for today, Kaymer said, "If I'm hitting the ball well, I'll go for the flags. Casey's the one to beat but I reckon five or six under should be enough to force a play-off. My driving was good today and I just need to make more putts."
Overnight leader Storm slipped to third on 14 under with a 69 but the Australian southpaw Green shot five bogeys to just one birdie to hurtle down to joint 28th with a four-over 76.
In fourth place is Anthony Wall on 13 under while three are tied for fifth place including opening round leader Johan Edfors, Peter Hanson and Louis Oosthuizen on 12 under.
An interesting final round is on the cards and after the Swedes set the pace it looks like the English should strike but have to watch out for the German.
