Dougherty favours attacking approach

Nick Dougherty has vowed to go all out for victory in the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after moving into a three-stroke lead.

The 25-year-old from Liverpool, winner of the Singapore Masters in 2005, carded a six-under 66 on the Old Course for a 17-under-par aggregate.

"I'm going to go out in the final round and try to shoot a great score, and if I can do that then I will be very hard to catch," said Dougherty.

"To score 66 at St Andrews, a course which I haven't really done that well on over the years, has given me a huge lift in confidence.

"I'm relaxed and not feeling worried about being in front, and that is pleasing."

Nearest challenger Peter O'Malley, who equalled the Carnoustie course record with a 64 during Friday's second round, carded a 69 at the Old Course for a 14-under total.

Paul Lawrie, the Dunhill Links winner in 2001, made a rousing return to Carnoustie - scene of his 1999 Open triumph - and moved into a share of third on 13 under with a course record-equalling 64.

Open champion Padraig Harrington kept alive his hopes of a third victory as he joined Lawrie on 13 under by posting a five-under 67 at Kingsbarns.

Justin Rose, second behind Harrington on the Order of Merit, fired a 66 at Kingsbarns to join the 13-under group, which also includes the 2005 Italian Open winner Steve Webster.