R3 LEADERBOARD GB&Ire unless stated -9 Alastair Forsyth -6 Sergio Garcia (Spa), Ian Poulter -4 Christian Cevaer (Fra) -3 Peter Hanson (Swe) -2 Trevor Immelman (South Africa) -1 Stephen Dodd Clubhouse scores

Garcia began the day one-up over the 28-year-old Forsyth but the Spaniard faltered over the inward nine.

England's Ian Poulter birdied the infamous par-five 17th to draw level with Garcia on six under par.

France's Christian Cevaer finished the day on four under, with Sweden's Peter Hanson a shot further back.

Forsyth, with only one European Tour win to his name and ranked 130th in the world, carded a third-round 67 while Garcia produced a level-par 71.

Play was suspended for nearly 80 minutes at Valderrama when a thunderstorm swept in with Garcia two back.

Forsyth then birdied the first hole after play resumed leaving Garcia three behind and struggling to stay in touch.

Garcia managed to close the gap to two but Forsyth kept the pressure on with some hot putting and a birdie on 17 restored his lead to three.

I didn't play badly - I just didn't play as well as I have for the previous two days Sergio Garcia

Forsyth said: "I'm pleased we got finished after the storm delay. It was not a good time for me to stop.

"It's all falling into place this week. I've been working very hard on my short game and it's paying off here."

And Garcia remained upbeat despite losing the lead.

"I didn't play badly. I just didn't play as well as I have for the previous two days," said the 24-year-old.

"I feel confident about my game. A good solid round tomorrow and I have a chance."

Darren Clarke, who carded an 11 at the par-five 17th on Friday, is still in line for a big pay-day after shooting a three-under 68 for eighth spot.

And South Africa's Trevor Immelman gave himself an outside chance by shooting a 68 to get to two-under.