Stenson races into Abu Dhabi lead

R3 LEADERBOARD GB&Ire unless stated -16 H Stenson (Swe) -15 C DiMarco (US) -14MA Jimenez (Spa) -13 R Gonzalez (Arg), C Schwartzel (SA) Selected others: -11 C Montgomerie -9 V Singh (Fij) -7 I Poulter

Henrik Stenson shot a course-record 62 to storm into the lead at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The Swede rattled in a brace of eagles and seven birdies to finish on 16 under par, one shot clear of American Chris DiMarco, who carded a 63.

Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez is one shot back in third place with overnight leader Charl Schwartzel on 13 under.

Colin Montgomerie remains in contention after a 65 left him five shots adrift going into the last round.

Stenson's lowest score on the European Tour was even more remarkable considering he was carrying a back injury and has also been on medication for a stomach complaint.

"I hadn't been feeling at all well and it was a struggle on Friday," Stenson said.

"I was tired coming up the last couple of holes on Friday but I managed to finish birdie, birdie. And then I shoot this score today!"

Stenson started his third-round assault from the off, with birdies in the first five holes, including 30-foot putts on the fourth and fifth.

I hit so many good iron shots (but) the putts didn't drop Sergio Garcia

"When you start rolling in putts of that length, you sort of feel like you are on a roll and that things are looking pretty good," he added.

Stenson's long driving also gave him a huge advantage and earned him a stunning eagle at the par-five 18th.

Five other players also eclipsed Keith Horne's two-day course record of 66 but Scotland's Montgomerie remained philosophical.

"People like Stenson, they hit the ball a long, long way. It is a fantastic asset to have but I can't do that," Montgomerie said.

"It's an interesting challenge. All I can do is play my game. I just have to go out and shoot 65 on Sunday and that would get me to 18 under and give me a chance."

DiMarco, making his first appearance in a European Tour event outside the majors and world golf championships, hit back from a double-bogey six at the first to keep within one shot of Stenson.

He said: "With the way it is shaping up and the players who are up there, it looks like it is going to be a great last day."

Spain's Sergio Garcia, who is a shot clear of Montgomerie on 12 under, bemoaned his short game.

"I played very, very well, and I hit so many good iron shots. It is a shame because unfortunately, some putts didn't drop," he said.

Poor putting also accounted for eighth-placed Vijay Singh, whose five birdies were offset by two bogeys to leave him seven adrift of Stenson.

Ian Poulter is also within touching distance of the leaders on seven under, one shot clear of fellow Englishmen John Bickerton and Mark Foster.