Westwood edges clear in Dubai

World number three Lee Westwood carded a five-under 67 in the third round to move top of the leaderboard at the Dubai Desert Classic.

The Englishman picked up three shots on his first four holes before finishing at 15 under on Saturday, a shot clear of his nearest rivals.

Scot Stephen Gallacher, German Marcel Siem and Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello are at 14 under at the Emirates Golf Club.

Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer, second and fourth in the world respectively, are within striking distance and will head into the final round at 13 under.

McIlroy was joint overnight leader alongside Thomas Bjorn, but they could only manage rounds of 72 and 73 respectively.

Westwood was satisfied with his performance and is confident heading into the final round despite high winds being predicted.

"I got off to a very good start, three under after four, rolled the ball well on the greens and hit a lot of good quality iron shots," he said.

"I've won 30-odd times in my career, so I'm used to knowing what to do when I'm leading a tournament."

"I'm hitting the ball well. Whatever happens with the weather happens and you just have to contend with it. Whoever plays best will win."

Gallacher and Siem both carded four-under rounds, while Cabrera-Bello produced a two-under 70 to be in the share of second.

Joining McIlroy and Kaymer at 13 under are Swede Joel Sjoholm and Scotland's Scott Jamieson.