Wu Ashun eagled his opening hole and never looked back as he carded a 67 to take a one shot lead into the final round of 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The Chinese added four birdies and a single bogey to his stunning start to get to -11 and lead the way from Frenchman Victor Perez (67)
Wu had led by four just after the turn but Perez stormed home in 31 to match his 67 and cut the gap to one, with defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, fellow American Kurt Kitayama (68) and Englishman Tom Lewis (65) a shot further back. DeChambeau is fighting a flu bug and made 4 bogey's mixed in with 6 birdies (70)
Overnight leader Eddie Pepperell (72) is at -8 a shot clear of fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (69) South African Dean Burmester (72) and Spaniard Nacho Elvira (66)
Wu finished 137th on the Race to Dubai last season but was showing the form that has made him a three time European Tour winner at Emirates Golf Club.
And on the day his home country celebrates the start of the year of the rat, Wu put himself in an excellent position to be having more celebrations on Sunday.
"That's my 'Happy Chinese New Year Shot'," he said of his hole out eagle. Today my short game was great, just great. I got a feeling just good chips and good with the putter.
I'm very comfortable and very relaxed for the weekend and playing the final round. I'm always happy to play the final round in the final group."
Wu's opening tee shot found the rough but his second was perfect, hitting the front of the green and rolling into the cup for an eagle and a share of the lead.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
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