Irish dominate in Valderrama

Ireland's Graeme McDowell saw his two-stroke overnight advantage over compatriot Gareth Maybin evaporate over the first nine holes of his third round at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters today.

McDowell, whose 67 yesterday took him to seven-under-par overall, dropped two shots after a double bogey at the seventh to fall into a share of the lead with Maybin, before a timely birdie at the next lifted the US Open champion back into sole possession of the lead.

Maybin, seeking his first European Tour win, hit back on the ninth, however, his birdie three moving him to six-under and level with McDowell at the turn.

Sweden's Thomas Bjorn hit four birdies and two bogeys through 13 holes as he moved into third place on three under, one shot clear of India's Jeev Milkha Singh, James Kingston of South Africa and Ireland's Damien McGrane.

Sweden's Niclas Fasth, the closest challenger to the pacesetting Northern Irish duo after yesterday's second round, was one over for his round through 10 holes as he fell four shots off the lead.

Martin Kaymer's hopes of becoming world number one remain remote heading into the final day as he carded a 70 to lie three over for the tournament, nine shots off the pace.

Kaymer needs to win or share second place with no more than one other player if he, rather than the absent Lee Westwood, is to succeed Tiger Woods when the American's 281-week reign ends on Monday.