Italian Marcello Santi shot a six-under-par 66 to join overnight leaders Andrew Raitt and Henrik Stenson at the top of the leaderboard at the San Paolo Vita Open after the third round.
Santi, Raitt and Stenson lead the field with 12 under par aggregates of 204. Stenson, who shot a 69, currently leads the Challenge Tour Rankings and can already look forward to playing on the main European Tour in 2001.
Meanwhile victory would enhance Raitt's prospects of gained a card through the Challenge Tour. He shot a third round 69 and, in 33rd place, could move close to the elusive top 15.
Errol Simsek, currently 14th on the Rankings, lies in fourth place on 205 after a fine third round of 67 and a high finish could also help him secure a place on the main Tour.