Davies in running

England’s Laura Davies remains bang in contention to end her year with a 69th career win at the Dubai Ladies’ Masters at the Emirates Club despite enduring a horror hole today.

Boosted by an eagle from tap-in range at the long third, the 44-year-old veteran surged into the early lead in the third round but had a triple-bogey eight at the long 13th and a 71 left her in joint second place.

On eight under par, she was a shot behind the leader, Iben Tinning, who had a best of day 67, and alongside the defending champion Annika Sorenstam (68) and Veronica Zorzi (70).

At unlucky number 13, Davies hit a five iron second shot into water and then duffed a chip back into the drink.

“It was hard to take,” she admitted. “I wanted a second eagle, but the wind had got up and it was a little difficult to judge.

“I was going to take four iron and then chose the five. Then I dropped into a sandy lie and just duffed it back into the water.

“But I was pleased to come back with two birdies (at the 15th and 18th). Tomorrow I’m going to go out and be really aggressive. I reckon there are four of us in it and it’s going to be a great shoot-out.”

Stoke-on-Trent’s Lisa Hall also found water – at the fourth and 18th – and went from one ahead at halfway to six behind after a disappointing 77.

Denmark’s Tinning had seven birdies in her bid to win her sixth European title, but Sorenstam, a six shot runaway winner last year, could be the big threat.

The former world number made a call to her coach, Henri Reis, and ironed out a few flaws on the practice range before going out to shoot a flawless four birdie 68.

“I feel great,” said the Swede. “I worked on getting my shoulders square and getting into a better position at impact and I played really well. Now I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

After a season blighted by injury, Sorenstam is still waiting her first win this season – the last time she went a whole season without a victory was as a rookie back in 1994.