Stephen Gallacher three off lead in desert
The former Dunhill Links winner, who came storming into contention with a sparkling 64 in round two, added a three-under 69 yesterday for a 13-under 203.
Gallacher, 36, finished the third day in a share of sixth place behind the joint leaders, Sweden's Peter Hanson and Paul Casey.
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Hide AdRichie Ramsay hit a five-under 67 to move to the fringes of the top-20 with a 207 while his feloow Scot Gary Orr had a 69 for 210.
Colin Montgomerie carded a 72 over the course he designed for a 213 and was joined on that mark by former Open champion Paul Lawrie, who also signed for a level-par score.
Englishman Casey used his power to eagle and birdie the two par fives on the back nine - he was on the green in two at both - the world No.9 shot a third-round 66 to join Ryder Cup Swede Peter Hanson on 16 under par. Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and South African James Kingston are a shot behind.