Rose leads after three rounds

Last updated: 19th January 2013

Englishman Justin Rose secured a two shot lead after round three of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Saturday.

Rose, who is currently on 12-under for the tournament has significantly boosted his prospects of winning the Abu Dhabi championship, in what is his first appearance at the tournament.

Rose did have a bit of a stumble early on in round three after he opened with a bogey.

However, his experience came to the fore for the remainder of the front nine, when he sunk an impressive five birdies in six holes.

Another birdie at the 12th hole helped increase Rose's lead, stretching it to four shots.

Bogies at the 13th and 17th spoiled what was otherwise a clinical round of golf, however, the critical factor is that he maintained the lead.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Dane Thorbjørn Olesen - flying the Nike flag following the exits of the game's leading two lights (Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy) - are in joint second place after both carded scores of 69 on round three.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, third last week at the Volvo Golf Champions, is a further stroke back and then come Scot Richie Ramsay, England's David Howell and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño on eight under.

"I came here with no expectations - I came here to see where my game is at," said an excited Rose after the third round.

Rose's performance over the first three rounds of golf at this tournament, would have boosted his confidence significantly, as he tries to move up the world golf rankings in 2013.

"I believe that any tournament I tee up in I can win," said Rose.