Coltart chases leader Edfors in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar -- Andrew Coltart took a big step towards winning back his European Tour card after closing to within a shot of leader Johan Edfors ahead of Sunday's final round of the Qatar Masters.

The former Ryder Cup star lost his playing privileges last year after finishing 168th on the Order of Merit, and was only granted entry due to his victory in the tournament's inaugural year in 1998.

The Scottish golfer fired nine birdies in his seven-under-par 65 to halve the second-round lead of Swede Edfors, who carded a 69 to match his opening effort following Friday's 66.

"Yes, obviously I've played nicely the last few days," said the 37-year-old Coltart, who needs to finish in the top 10 to regain his card.

"I've been fortunate enough to use the facilities at the golf center in Edinburgh and obviously that has worked.

"I have played well in the past and anything can happen tomorrow. There's 15 guys capable of winning, so there's 14 other guys thinking that they are going to do it. You have just got to play your own game."

"Obviously I know what it's like being in that (winning) position -- even though it's a long, long time ago -- but the memory helps."

Edfors, who was 67th last season after failing to build on the three victories which took him into the top-10 in 2006, finished the third round on 12-under 204.

"I am pretty happy with the way I played. I played a pretty solid front nine," Edfors said. "But I had a bit of a slump later, and need to play good golf tomorrow.

"I had many birdie opportunities but couldn't take advantage of those."

His fellow Swede Henrik Stenson shared third place after a 67, joining South Africa's Charl Schwartzel (69) on 206.

Adam Scott, the 2002 champion, fired a score of 65 to move up to three shots off the lead along with Schwartzel's compatriot Anton Haig and England's Ross McGowan, who both carded 69s.

The Australian picked up five of his seven birdies on the back nine to give himself a great chance of repeating his previous victory as a fresh-faced 20-year-old.

"It took me a while to get going and I didn't have any rhythm on the front nine but managed to get it around," he said.

Scott's playing partner, Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy, was in a group a further shot back after a sparkling, blemish-free 66 which featured an eagle at the first hole.

The 18-year-old, who turned professional last year, shares fifth spot with Frenchman Christian Cevaer (68) and veteran eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie of Scotland, who carded a bogey-free 69 as he continues his bid to qualify for the U.S Masters.

Order of Merit leader Lee Westwood, equal second in Abu Dhabi last week and the joint first-round leader, dropped back to a share of 17th place after a 73. E-mail to a friend

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