SOTOGRANDE, Spain, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Bradley Dredge battled through strong winds at Valderrama Golf Club on Saturday, moving closer to his first career European PGA Tour title at the season-ending Volvo Masters.
The Welshman was one of only seven players in the 65-man field to shoot par or better, carding an even-par 71 on a day when South African Retief Goosen shot a 7-over 78 and Spanish star Sergio Garcia took a 9 on one hole.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina had a four-stroke lead entering the day but managed only a 76 and is tied for second with Colin Montgomerie of Scotland at 2-under 211.
Dredge overcame two double-bogeys with four birdies, two of which closed his round and gave him a 54-hole total of 3-under 210. He is the only player in the field to reach par in all three rounds.
Goosen is tied for 47th at 12-over 225 but is in solid position to win the Order of Merit title. Currently second in earnings, Irishman Padraig Harrington is tied for 43rd at 226 and will need to climb several spots Sunday.
Dredge is just 26th in the Order of Merit, but he has enjoyed a career year that could get even better. Seeking his first title in five seasons, he will be in an event's final group for the first time.
After signing for a 72, Montgomerie will take his 26 European Tour titles into Sunday's final pairing with Dredge.
Dredge had a chance to win the Great North Open last year but double-bogeyed the last hole and finished fourth. He was second at the Italian Open 12 months ago and shared second at the European Open in July.
Montgomerie three-putted for bogey at the 16th hole, then threw his ball in the direction of a marshall but was pleased with his standing after three rounds as he seeks his first win of the year. He has been a runner-up twice.
"I was four behind at the start of the day, and I'm in contention now," he said. "That's fine. Last group, I like that."
Garcia is just four strokes back after shooting a 79 that included a quadruple-bogey 9 at the par-5 fourth. He was penalized a stroke in the trees when his ball moved as he was clearing loose impediments, then hit into a lake by the green.
Justin Rose of England is fourth at even-par 213.
Niclas Fasth of Sweden and Irish rookie Graeme McDowell had the low rounds of the day with 69s.
