Graeme McDowell carded a third round 72 on Saturday at the Qatar Open while his Northern Ireland compatriot Michael Hoey signed for a 71.
Paul Casey underlined his return to form following last year's rib injury as the Ryder Cup ace carded a six-under-par 66 to claim a share of the lead.
He and Bradley Dredge lead the field by one shot heading into the final round. Casey dropped just one shot in ideal scoring conditions to join Celtic Manor hopeful Dredge at 10 under par after the Welshman remained in the hunt with a hard-fought 70.
An eventful two-under second round from Lee Westwood left the European number one heading the chasing pack, with Robert Karlsson and overnight leader Brett Rumford two shots adrift and Oliver Wilson and defending champion Alvaro Quiros at seven under.
"I think it's the best round around this course in four years so I can't say anything bad," said Casey, who previously missed three consecutive cuts in Doha.
"I'm not putting any pressure on myself tomorrow; it is just the case of going out and giving myself as many opportunities as possible."
Portrush's McDowell carded four birdies but suffered for two bogeys and a double bogey on the 13th hole.
Gareth Maybin of Ballyclare scored 72 to remain one over.
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