LEADERBOARD -12 E Els (RSA) -8 M Campbell (NZ) -7 T Dier (Ger), M Pearce (NZ), C Carmichael (Aus), W Ormsby (Aus) Selected others: -4 P Casey (Eng), I Poulter (Eng), N Faldo (Eng) -1 G Norman (Aus)

Only a missed six-foot putt on Royal Melbourne's 15th prevented Els from becoming the first player to card a sub-60 round on the European Tour.

Americans Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval are the only men to have shot 59, while Annika Sorenstam managed it on the LPGA Tour in 2001 .

Els said: "It was definitely playing on my mind. I got close."

The 34-year-old South African fired 11 birdies, one eagle and a bogey to beat the previous record of New Zealand's Richard Lee who shot a 62 at Royal Melbourne in 2002.

The world number three, chasing a third straight Heineken Classic title, is four shots clear of New Zealand's Michael Campbell, with Mahal Pearce, Wade Ormsby and Craig Carmichael a shot further back.

It was definitely playing on my mind - who knows when you are going to have a chance like this again Ernie Els

Englishmen Nick Faldo, Brian Davis, Greg Owen and Paul Casey are in touch on four under.

Els needed only 25 putts and made 17 out of 18 greens in regulation to become only the fifth man on the European Tour to card a 60 on a par-72 course.

"I had (59) on my mind all the way through," said Els.

"I caught a flier on 15 but was trying hard to make that putt on 18 for a 59, which I have never done.

"I felt more pressure on those last four holes than I have felt in a long time trying to win a golf tournament.

"It was definitely playing on my mind. Who knows when you are going to have a chance like this again."

Faldo flourish

Campbell, who won this event in 2000 and 2001, was delighted with his form after recently recovering from recent surgery for varicose veins in his left leg.

"It's one of my favourite courses in the world," said Campbell.

"I've changed my equipment, ball, driver, I have a new leg as well, my left leg, a new clothing range, so I've had a massive overhaul really."

Faldo made an eagle on the par-five second - his 11th - and finished with two birdies.

"It is a strategy golf course and you need to do good things," the English veteran said.