China’s Hatong Li leads by three shots going into the final round the Turkish Airlines Open at Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort.

Li finished in a share of second at the tournament two years ago but is threatening to improve on that after a stunning round of 63.

The highlight of Li’s round was holing his second shot from 173 years and, at -17, he takes a three-shot lead over Alex Levy and defending champion Justin Rose.

Li, who won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic earlier this year, said: “I got a lot of confidence from (Dubai), and since then, playing a lot of big events, which has built me confidence, also. 

“It's going to be an exciting day and I’m looking forward to go against Rosey. I really want to win this week and play my best.”

Frenchman Levy moved firmly into contention with a third round of 66, while Rose dropped a shot on the 18thto finish on 69 and 14 under par. 

Rose will go on the offensive on Sunday as he looks to overhaul the deficit to Li. 

He said: “: I've done it here and I've done it a few other places. Three back, there's nothing to lose, and a mentality, that you have to put the foot down and go for it. That's going to be the mentality tomorrow for sure.

“It doesn't mean just reckless golf and chasing every flag. You've got to pick your moments to be aggressive and sometimes 15 foot is a great shot and you've got to trust the putter. 

“Any time you win a tournament, you tend to putt well, so that will be the game plan, just to try and hit as many good shots and give myself as many chances as possible.”

Thorbjørn Olesen, the 2016 champion, is four off the lead at -13 and Tommy Fleetwood is in a share of seventh at -11.

©Michael Denker-Turkish Airlines