But the 23-year-old protégé of six-time major winner Nick Faldo fought back superbly to post a third round 66 and join London’s Anthony Wall, South African Retief Goosen and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson on 15 under par.

England’s David Lynn is a shot behind after a 67 with Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabal another stroke adrift after struggling to a 70.

Ryder Cup star Paul Casey is four shots off the lead following a double bogey on the 17th where the club slipped out of his grip due to the intense heat and humidity in Cologne.

Dougherty also seemed to be drifting out of contention when he double bogeyed the par five seventh, going for the green in two but succeeding in finding only the water guarding the putting surface.

With the scoreboard a sea of birdies and eagles that looked like being a costly mistake, especially with his closest rival for a place in the Seve Trophy, Kenneth Ferrie, having already finished on 10 under after a 66.

But Dougherty stormed home in 30 shots for the second day running with an eagle and four birdies to close in on his second European Tour title of the season.

“I’m very pleased with the way I handled it, I stayed very patient,” said the former Walker Cup star. “The seventh hole is really killing me. The only time I’ve made par is when I hit it in a bush off the tee!

“I’m proud of the way I knuckled down after that. I’ve played the back nine in 60 shots the last two days and even had a putt for a 59 there.”

Dougherty is just £5,000 (€7,400) ahead of Ferrie in the Order of Merit, from which the last qualifying place for the Britain and Ireland team to defend the Seve Trophy in 11 days’ time will be decided.

Told of Ferrie’s earlier 66, Dougherty added: “He’s keen isn’t he! It’s not over yet but I just have to try to play this tournament. I’m going to try my best to win and if Kenny beats me then so be it.”

Ireland's Damien McGrane and Graeme McDowell are both tied in fortieth position on -5 after their rounds today.