Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Shane Lowry verges on first win in three years as Louis Oosthuizen slips

The Irishman can propel himself back into the world's top-50 with a wire-to-wire win

Lowry lost his PGA Tour card last year (Getty)

Abu Dhabi Golf Club presented an emboldened challenge on a blustery third day, but Shane Lowry’s route to a first victory since 2015 remained firmly on course on Friday.

The Irishman, who equalled the 13-year course record with a 62 in the opening round, had seen his grip on the European Tour’s season-opening event loosened before an uncompromising five-under-par 67 reaffirmed his stranglehold and sees him take a three-shot lead into the final round.

Lowry, who lost his PGA Tour card last year, will propel himself back into the world’s top-50 if he is able to see out the wire-to-wire win.

“I felt very comfortable out there today and I’m very happy with that, very excited about tomorrow,” Lowry said after a birdie on the 18th exteded his lead.

“Obviously I’m in a great position. It’s been a while since I’ve been up having a lead going into Sunday. I’ll enjoy it, have a nice dinner tonight and get ready and give it my best tomorrow and see what happens.

“We’re in a world-class field here this week so I know they are going to come out firing tomorrow so I need to stay aggressive and try to make as many birdies as I can and see where that leaves me on the 18th green.”

The 2010 Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen, had threatened to move into contention and continue the streak of form which saw him win his first event in two years in December but faltered badly in a round consisting of five bogeys which left him nine shots back.

However, fellow South African Richard Sterne remained in hot pursuit with a steadfast 69, as the European Tour veteran looks to secure a first victory in almost six years.

Richard Sterne is looking to secure a first European Tour win since 2013 (Getty) (Getty Images)

“It’s nice to be in contention,” Sterne said. “It’s been a long time. I’ve managed to win a few in my life so hopefully there’s something left there and if we can have a chance coming down the last five or six, that would be a nice way to finish. Maybe there’s some magic left in me.”

A sleep-deprived Ian Poulter – whose turnaround from last week’s Sony Open in Hawaii has consisted of little jet-lagged rest – shot a solid if not spectacular 69 but is likely too far adrift, now trailing Lowry by five shots.

And Brooks Koepka’s chance of reclaiming the world No 1 ranking by the wayside too after a hodgepodge round consisting of five birdies and three bogeys, which leaves the three-time major champion a colossal eight shots adrift.