MELBOURNE LEADERBOARD -22 E Els (SA) -14 Gareth Paddison (NZ), Adam Scott (Aus) -13 Peter Fowler (Aus), Peter Hanson (Swe) -12 Mahal Pearce (NZ)

The South African has been in superb form at Royal Melbourne, and came within a shot of his 54-hole European Tour record of 23-under 193.

Els set that record last year at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia.

He also set a record 72-hole total of 29-under 259, a mark within reach here if he shoots 65 or better on Sunday.

"You just want to go out there and not be afraid to play your shots," the 34-year-old Els said.

"A lead like this, it can start making you play a little bit safe. I don't want to do that."

Els' playing partner Adam Scott and New Zealand's Gareth Paddison are tied for second at 14-under 202, Scott after a 68 and Paddison after a 67.

Els was not quite at his best on Saturday, missing fairways and finding bunkers.

The world number three cancelled out two of his three birdies on the front nine with dropped shots at the sixth and ninth.

Els then sunk an eagle on the par-five 10th and followed it up with a magnificent birdie on the 11th.

But on 16 a wayward tee shot resulted in his third bogey of the day.