DOHA, 27 January 2008 — Sweden’s Johan Edfors continued to hold a one-shot lead after the third round of the $2.5 million Qatar Masters yesterday, but a host of others were hot on his trail.

Edfors, who enjoyed a two-shot lead on nine under after Friday’s second round, was on 12-under 204 after the day’s play yesterday, with Qatar Masters winner Andrew Coltart of Scotland breathing down his neck on 205.

Coltart, who lost his European Tour card last year and is playing in Doha only by virtue of being a former champion, shot nine birdies only for his round to be blemished by two bogeys.

“Yes, obviously I’ve played nicely the last few days,” said Coltart.

Coltart needs to finish in the top 10 in Doha to regain his card and he said he was taking it one step at a time.

“I have played well in the past and anything can happen tomorrow. There’s 15 guys capable of winning, so there’s 14 other guys thinking that they are going to do it. You have just got to play your own game.” Coltart added that the fact he has won here before would help him in his final push today. “Obviously I know what it’s like being in that position, even though it’s a long, long time ago, but the memory helps.” Edfors, who had shot a 66 on Friday, could only manage three birdies yesterday. Edfors would have been in a much better position had he not missed a two and a half foot birdie on the first hole. Fellow Swede and Dubai resident Henrik Stenson was in joint third spot on 206 with South African Charl Schwartzel, while Aussie Adam Scott and Anton Haig, also of South Africa, and Englishman Ross McGowan were a further shot behind on 207. Scott, the 2002 champion in Qatar, blitzed seven birdies for a score of 65 to put himself in contention today when it’s going to be an interesting battle which opens up the possibility of the tournament being won by a past winner. Scott picked up just two birdies on the front nine, but struck a purple patch coming in, blazing birdies on the 10th, 12th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes to give himself a good platform.

Scott was impressed by his playing partner Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy skills as the teenager surged into contention with a 66 sparked by an eagle at the first hole.

He is now in joint fifth spot along with Frenchman Christian Cevaer and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie.

“The only other guy that impresses me as much as him is Jason Day so I think he has a bright future and I am looking forward to playing with him in the next few years.”