Dodd leads in Hong Kong

Former British Amateur champion Stephen Dodd is within sight of his first European Tour victory after finishing day three of the Omega Hong Kong Open at Fanling in a three-way tie for the lead.

The 36-year-old Welshman, who claimed the prestigious title at Royal Birkdale 13 years ago, shot a third-round 66 to join Argentinian Jorge Berendt and Swede Henrik Nystrom out in front at 12-under 195.

It could have been even better for Dodd, whose best finish on tour so far came with a second place at the 2001 North West of Ireland Open, but he bogeyed the 16th and then holed a gutsy 15-footer for bogey on the last after finding trouble in the trees off the tee.

“I’ve played nicely for three days and hopefully it will continue tomorrow,” Dodd said.

Berendt, last season’s Cannes Open champion, fired a flawless seven-under 62, one better than Nystrom, who had seven birdies in his 63.

“It is a long time since I made a low round like that,” said Berendt. “Normally on the European Tour it is not easy to make a very low round like a 62 or 63.”

Nick Faldo was very satisfied with a round of three-under 66 that kept him four off the lead going into the final day.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie lies just six shots of the pace after a 68.