Westwood targets more Dubai glory
06 Feb 2010 - 19:32:05
European number one Lee Westwood promised to take an aggressive approach in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic after claiming a share of the lead on Saturday.
The world number four dropped just one shot in a four-under-par 68 to join Spanish duo Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jimenez and Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee in a four-way tie at 11 under par.
A frustrated 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 holes."
Defending champion Rory McIlroy heads the chasing pack after a 69, with Marcus Fraser (70) and Challenge Tour number one Edoardo Molinari (70) on eight under and Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer lurking a further shot adrift after a bogey-free 68.
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.
Quiros finished with back-to-back birdies to card the joint lowest score of the day with a flawless 67.
Jimenez, who began the day a shot adrift of Jaidee alongside Westwood, picked up four shots over his final eight holes to sign for a four-under-par 68 following a sublime display of iron play.
Italian amateur Matteo Manassero continued to flourish with a 71 pushing the 16-year-old British amateur champion to four under, with 60-year-old eight-time major winner Tom Watson two shots further back after ending his third round 71 with a double bogey.
