Paul Casey takes slender lead into final day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Paul Casey has won twice before in the UAE (Richard Sellers/PA)

Paul Casey put himself in pole position to boost his Ryder Cup ambitions as a birdie-eagle finish handed him a one-shot lead heading into the final 18 holes of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The Englishman admitted this week that making a fifth appearance for Europe later this year is at the forefront of his mind, and he carded a bogey-free 64 on day three to get to 15 under par and sit a shot ahead of another Ryder Cup hopeful in Scot Robert MacIntyre.