Kaymer has been in sensational form this season on the European Tour

Home favourite Martin Kaymer fired a bogey-free round of 67 to go six shots clear in the BMW International Open.

Last season's European Tour Rookie of the Year, 23, thrilled the Munich crowd in the third round as he closed in on sixth spot in the Ryder Cup table.

Charl Schwartzel is his closest rival on 12 under, while English trio Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Benn Barham share third with France's Thomas Levet.

And Colin Montgomerie equalled his lowest round for almost a year - 68.

Scotland's eight-time European number one has long been struggling with his game, falling out of the world's top 100, but pushed himself up to a tie of 18th to lie seven under.

However, he was far from satisfied with his efforts, saying: "In the 90s, five under would have become a seven-under 65, so it's disappointing.

"No-one has taken my talent away and I am fitter than ever but in the 90s I thought I was going to win and I did. I wish I had that back.

"I'm 45 on Monday and I think you have to begin to accept that you can't have that necessary self-belief forever. I'm trying my damndest to keep it but it's difficult."

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The 23-year-old currently lies 10th in the Ryder Cup race but can go move ahead of Oliver Wilson, Henrik Stenson, Nick Dougherty and Graeme McDowell with victory.

Wilson and Dougherty are on a week off, McDowell missed the cut and Stenson managed only a 72 today to remain seven under.

And Bernard Langer, whose first cap in 1981 came when he was only just 24, compared his compatriot to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, with his mixture of aggression and good sense.

"Going by the last two days he can go a long way - I don't think there are any limits if he keeps that up and I don't think it's too early (to face the Americans)," said the double Masters champion. "He is a winner and he has proved that."

Finally, Iain Pyman had the low round of the day, an eight under 64, which lifted the former British amateur champion from the cut line to nine under.