Lee Westwood is back on course to defend his Andalucian Open title after shooting a 66 in the third round.

Two behind and joint sixth at halfway, Britain's former European number one began with five birdies on Saturday.

At seven-under with eight holes left, he had a real chance of beating his own course record of 64 at Aloha.

But he bogeyed the next and could only save par at the 16th, ending up on 12-under - one in front of David Lynn, Oliver Fisher and Thomas Levet.  


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With the Masters coming up, Westwood was delighted with both his play and his late decision to compete in Spain rather than America next week.

"Conditions in Houston are likely to be more like Augusta, but one time I played there it dragged on and on because of the weather - and I didn't want that," he said.

"I'm going to play a round under the pressure of trying to win tomorrow, and that's what I wanted. The decision has gone 100%."

If he stays out in front it will be the fourth time in his professional career that he has retained a title.

Welshman Bradley Dredge, needing to win for a chance of climbing into the world's top 50 just in time to book a Masters berth, needs a miracle after a 71 left him on seven under and joint 11th.

"It's possible but not probable, especially with Lee up there," said Dredge, who had four birdies but also a double bogey on the 12th and then a closing bogey.

English amateur champion Danny Willett, who was in second place on his Tour debut after an opening 65, had his third eagle of the week on the fifth.

But with a seven on the 16th, he managed to add only a 72 to his second-day 75 and is three-under.