Tyrrell Hatton was relieved to come through a "scruffy day" as he sits one shot behind overnight leader Jon Rahm at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.
The Englishman was quietly going about his business at Yas Links as he carded six birdies and a dropped shot in his 67 on Moving Day.
That was enough for a share of second alongside Francesco Laporta at 17 under, one adrift of good friend Rahm.
Hatton and Rahm are both locked on five Rolex Series titles apiece so there will be extra motivation for the 35-year-old, with a strong showing needed in order to reach next week's season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
"It felt like a scruffy day to be honest. I didn't feel overly comfortable at times so that was a little bit disappointing," Hatton admitted.
"That being said, I feel like it's probably the best I could have shot today, so I take that as a positive.
"Hopefully I feel better tomorrow and give myself more opportunities for birdies.
"I feel like nothing was great. It sort of feels like a weirdly disappointing day though it wasn't.
"It's just very different feelings from what I've had the last two days and you can't play well every day, so hopefully that's the bad one out of the way and I'll be better tomorrow."
He added: "It would mean a lot (to win). My main objective this week was to try to get into next week.
"I haven't been in that position very often coming into Abu Dhabi where I need to play well to get into Dubai, so there's a lot to play for; Ryder Cup points, World Ranking points and Race to Dubai points.
"So yeah, tomorrow is an important day for me."
Laporta is still awaiting his first DP World Tour title on what is his 201st start in Abu Dhabi and he will be in the final group alongside Hatton and Rahm once more.
Three birdies in the opening four holes got the Italian off to a flying start as he took the outright lead before being reeled in by his Spanish playing partner.
Birdies at the tenth and 16th were all he could muster throughout the rest of Saturday's round, but Laporta kept his card clean.
"I played solid today most of round," Laporta said. "I just make 18 a bit more interesting.
"Started very well this morning, way better than yesterday. I was much more comfortable on the course today, and quite happy with my game.
"Missed a few putts but I mean, the greens are very quick and very slopey, so it's not easy to see the line. Overall, I'm very happy with my round."
Laporta added: "I'm looking forward to tomorrow but right now, I just want to go to relax with my family and with my daughter and take some time off from golf.
"Tomorrow morning, when I wake up, I'm going to start to think about it, but to be fair, I don't want to go out there thinking about winning.
"I just want to think about playing my best golf and whatever happens, happens."
