Wu takes lead in Dubai Desert Classic as Pepperell fades

Wu Ashun has taken a one-shot lead at Dubai Desert Classic after third round as he chases his first title since 2018.

. 366-ranked Chinese golfer started his round with an eagle on way to a five-under 67 as he moved to 11 under for tournament. most recent of Wu's three career European Tour wins came at KLM Open in 2018.

“That's a happy Chinese New Year, you kw,” Wu said. On par-four first, his approach shot went straight for flag and in. “ first hole, second shot was unbelievable for me,” Wu said.

He leads by one stroke from France's Victor Perez, who recovered from two early bogeys with four straight birdies on back nine to finish five under for day.

Last year's Dubai champion Bryson DeChambeau is two off lead along with Tom Lewis and Kurt Kitayama. Lewis carded joint-best round of day of seven under, an hor shared with Danes Soren Kjeldsen and Jeff Winr.

Eddie Pepperell had led after second round but fell to three off lead after carding an even-par 72 with three birdies and three bogeys.