Bjorn makes early progress
Thomas Bjorn was the first to make a move when the halfway leaders began their third rounds in the Dubai Desert Classic.
Bjorn sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the second to make it a five-way tie at the top.
The Ryder Cup player joined world number two Ernie Els, Scot Alastair Forsyth, Finn Mikko Ilonen and England's David Lynn, although Lynn then missed a six-foot par putt at the second to fall back alongside Ian Woosnam in fifth place at nine under.
Woosnam had to make a 25-footer on the second to maintain his position after driving into the trees and then leaving his pitch short of the green.
After an opening drive of nearly 330 yards, Els went for the green on the 351-yard second as it was also playing downwind. He had the length, but pulled it left into the sandy waste and in the end single-putted for his four.
