Wu Ashun has taken a one-shot lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after the third round as he looks to claim his first title since 2018.
The three-time European Tour winner kicked off his Chinese New Year celebrations in style by adding four birdies and dropping a single shot to get to 11 under par and lead the way from Frenchman Victor Perez.
That was my “Happy Chinese New Year Shot” (on the first),” said Wu. “First hole and second shot is unbelievable for me for a very good start. I didn’t know I holed it and then the gallery went wild, so I was very happy.
“Tomorrow is a great day for me, I think, and I’m always happy to play the final round in the final group. Just enjoy the game and play your best, best game, best round tomorrow and let it happen, that’s it.”
“HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!” 🇨🇳
Ashun Wu holes out on the 1st!#ODDC pic.twitter.com/8lGR06GPtm
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 25, 2020
The 34-year-old had led by four just after the turn but Alfred Dunhill Links Champion Perez stormed home in 31 to match his 67 and cut the gap to one at Emirates Golf Club.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau battled illness to finish with birdies on his last two holes and end the third round at nine under par, alongside fellow American Kurt Kitayama and Englishman Tom Lewis.
Overnight leader Eddie Pepperell is then at eight under par, a shot clear of fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, South African Dean Burmester and Spaniard Nacho Elvira. The Open Champion Shane Lowry, Dane Soren Kjeldsen and Scot Grant Forrest round out the top ten at six under par.
