England's Paul Broadhurst charged into the lead with a round to go in the British Masters at the Forest of Arden.
On a day when most others struggled the 38-year-old from nearby Atherstone had an incredible eight birdies for a best-of-the-day 66.
It put him one in front of 43-year-old Barry Lane, whose last victory was in 1994, and Argentina's Eduardo Romero, at 49 trying to become the oldest winner in tour history.
Ireland's Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke are both seven shots off the pace after carding rounds of 70 and 69 respectively. Graeme McDowell is a further two shots back after registering a 73 today. Damien McGrane hit a disastrous 80 and is a huge 17 stokres behind the leader.
Five behind at the start of the round, Broadhurst packed his eight birdies into the first 14 holes, then parred the remainder for an 11 under par total of 205.
Broadhurst, a member of the 1991 Ryder Cup team and unbeaten at Kiawah Island, faced a make-or-break moment at the qualifying school in 2002.
He said: "I had to have a serious think about what to do. I wasn't enjoying the game, but I'm no good at anything else. If I hadn't made it through I probably would have given the Challenge Tour one year to try to scrap a living. I've had a few barren years, so I'm not like the superstars who can retire. I'm playing for a living."
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
