Michael Campbell takes three shot lead

New Zealand's Michael Campbell produced the best round of the week in continuing trying conditions at Forest of Arden on Saturday to take a three-shot lead after three rounds of the British Masters.

Campbell went in search of his seventh European Tour title with a five-under-par 67, mastering blustery winds and ending a run of four birdies with a chip-in on the short 18th to move to six-under-par 210.

That left him clear of his playing-partner Steve Webster, who fired a 70, the overnight leader Brian Davis, who shot 73, and a third Briton, David Howell, who carded 72. Denmark's Thomas Bjorn (73) is a further stroke back.

It has been a barren two years for leader Campbell but after a faltering start to the European Tour season when he missed his first five cuts the New Zealander sprang into form with a tied third place in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing last month.

He was delighted with Saturday's spectacular finale, telling reporters: "I went through the back on the last and I said to my caddie it was time for a chip-in.

"I picked my spot, where I visualised the ball should go, and in it went. I know it's been a while since a win but I'm comfortable in this position because I've been in it a few times before."

Campbell praised his new coaching team and also fellow-professional Barry Lane of Britain, last year's British Masters champion, for helping him get back into contention.

Lane told him he should go back to his natural swing after the two played together in Qatar earlier in the year.

Webster also has his mentor, in the shape of part-time magician Jamil Qureshi, who he said had helped him break his tour duck last week after 10 years in the pro ranks, and who he hopes will now see him to back-to-back victories.

Davis and Howell are looking for victory on home soil after returning from a stint on the PGA Tour.

Windy, cold conditions have made low scoring difficult and after three days no player has yet produced a bogey-free round.

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