Linhart's birdie on the 16th took him to an 11-under-par 205 with a one-under- par 71, a stroke better than playing-partner Borrego, who carded 68.

With their chief rivals faltering in the dusk, the Spaniards have a healthy lead over the rest of the field.

Six players are on 210, four of them Britons: Ryder Cup captain Mark James, European rankings leader David Howell as well as Andrew Coltart and Stephen Field, whose bogey on the last denied him outright third place.

Irishman Padraig Harrington and Italy's Alberto Binaghi make up the chasing pack after coming through the field with 66s.

Linhart began the third round after the weather-delayed second round was completed in the morning, four strokes ahead of the field, with Borrego in second place.

When Linhart bogeyed the first and Borrego birdied the second, his lead was only two. Borrego followed up with two back-nine birdies and the Spaniards were suddenly level.

A bogey on the 16th by Borrego and birdie by Linhart on the same hole when he pitched to just two feet, restored the third round leader's two-shot advantage but Borrego cut it back to one when he holed a nine-foot putt on the short 17th.

Both the Spaniards and Field then had to play the last in near darkness to avoid having to return to the course first thing on Sunday.

"It's great to have two Spaniards up there and shooting for the title but I'm not treating it as matchplay," said Linhart, who seeks his first tour victory in a five-year career.

"I'll be playing the course and just trying to keep my routine going. I made two stupid bogeys today and didn't hit the ball nearly as close as my third-round 64, so I hope to get back my touch for the final round, even if it is Diego."

Borrego, a close friend of the leader, is looking for his second title after victory in the Turespana Masters three years ago, but he is aware that Linhart has perfect conditions for his maiden win.

"We'll both be looking hard at each other but it's the course we have to play," said Borrego. "I think it suits Pedro. You don't have to hit it long and it's made for good ironplay. He's one of the best.

"But I'm in good form again and thirsting for my second win, so I won't be making it easy for him. And there are six players still in touch with us, so we certainly must not think we're the only ones involved for the title."