Victor Dubuisson carded a third round of 64 to take a one-shot lead into the final day of play at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The Frenchman - currently world number 93 - hit birdies in four of his last five holes to move 13-under and hold a one-shot advantage over Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton and Nicolas Colsaerts.
Henrik Stenson moved closer to winning the Race to Dubai with a round of 70 to move five-under, while nearest challenger Danny Willett fell off the pace with a 76 to go one-over, tied for 51st.
After an improved performance on the second day of play, world number two Rory McIlroy scored a four-under 68 to tie with Stenson for 22nd.
Elsewhere, Rafael Cabrera-Bello delivered the day's best round of 63 to join Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari two shots off the lead.