Graeme McDowell had two double bogeys on Saturday

A closing double bogey saw Graeme McDowell falling into a share of the lead with fellow Northern Ireland man Gareth Maybin at the Andalucia Masters.

McDowell (72) and Maybin (70) are both on six under which leaves them four shots ahead of another Irishman Damien McGrane and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Maybin recovered well from two opening bogeys to fire his 70 while McDowell had two double bogeys in his round.

Michael Hoey shot a 77 for six over while Darren Clarke (75) is four over.

McDowell is hoping to win the £434,000 first prize which would significantly cut into Martin Kaymer's £867,000 lead in the Race to Dubai.

Kaymer is tied 17th going into the final round at Valderrama after firing a 70 on Saturday.

US Open champion McDowell's other double bogey came at the seventh after he hit his drive into the trees while Maybin recovered from his two opening bogeys with three birdies before the turn and then parred all the way home.

On the 18th, McDowell misjudged the strength of a crosswind and put his second shot in a greenside bunker and then needed four more shots to get the ball in the hole.

I will take a lot out of going out there and shooting better than he did today Gareth Maybin

"Standing on the fairway I thought about having a comfortable lead and what happened was just careless," McDowell said.

"But there was enough good golf out there to make me happy.

"I am going into the Sunday afternoon with a chance to win a golf tournament and that's where I want to be." firing a 69 on Saturday.

Maybin, who is seeking his first European Tour victory, believes he can compete with McDowell on Sunday.

"Graeme is probably the hottest golfer in the world at the moment," added Maybin.

"So I will take a lot out of going out there and shooting better than he did (today)."

Shane Lowry is on two over after a 71 while Peter Lawrie is seven over after a 74.

Sergio Garcia is five shots off the pace after firing a 69 on Saturday.

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