“It’s frustrating,” said Evans, who almost broke his drought in unforgettable style when finishing a shot outside the play-off for the 2002 Open at Muirfield, losing a ball on the 71st hole before saving par with a 50ft putt across the green and mouthing ’That one’s for you mum,’ into a television camera.

“Through the middle part of the year it was good but it’s October now and here we go again, another year with no win.

“I felt in some cases I have played well enough and in other cases I tend to make mistakes like I did at the last today and it all adds up at the end of the week.

“One of these weeks I will not make mistakes like that and a win would be lovely. I could actually hang up my boots at the end of the year and smile for once.

“It’s all very nice earning lots of money but after 12 years a win is what I’m lacking.”

Lafeber, who equalled the lowest round of the week with his 64 to lie 10 under, is also seeking a maiden tour title and has enlisted the services of sports psychologist Jos Vanstiphout, who counts Ernie Els and Retief Goosen among his many clients, to help him remain calm on the course.

“He’s made me stay more patient and accept mistakes,” said Lafeber, who worked with Vanstiphout two years ago and linked up with the Belgian again before this year’s Open at Royal St George’s.

“I’m much more positive and enjoying the game. I don’t feel I’m playing any better than a few months ago but I was trying way too hard and taking everything too seriously.”

Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts fired a 66 to finish two shots adrift of Lafeber on eight under, with Danish duo Steen Tinning and Soren Hansen and Swede Fredrik Andersson also eight under with five holes to play.