After a second-round 65 which was the best score of the day, the 31-year-old did it again with a third-round 66 to move onto the 17 under par aggregate of 199.

The previous record of 201 was set by Seve Ballesteros in 1991 and matched by Oldcorn last year.

But to take the title - and a cheque for £333,330 (€527,000), which is more than five times the previous biggest one of his career - Hansen has still to hold off two men who between them have won it seven times.

Little-known Spaniard Carlos Rodiles is second on 12 under after a 68 and two further back is 47-year-old Eduardo Romero after brilliant eagles at the last two holes.

But then come four-time champion Nick Faldo and three-time champion Colin Montgomerie in joint fourth place with Zimbabwe’s Mark McNulty, who at 48 is trying to become the oldest winner in tour history.

Faldo birdied five of the last seven holes for a back-nine 32 and a round of 68, but Montgomerie, leader by three after his opening 64, continued to have his struggles and after a 72 again chose not to talk.

‘‘It’s his to win or lose,’’ said Faldo, referring to Hansen.

‘‘He’s obviously playing great that’s incredible scoring for the conditions.’’

Ireland's Darren Clarke is in 14th place on six-under-par going into the final round.

Hansen, two in front at halfway, defied blustery conditions and the pressure of leading to go to the turn in 32, also the best of the day.

Playing some of the finest golf of his career, the world number 141 then added further birdies at the 10th, 12th and 17th.