Els moves eight clear in Melbourne
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Els' 22-under was the European record best score to par after three rounds.
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MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) -- Ernie Els slipped momentarily but was still able to stretch his lead by one to eight shots after carding a four-under-par 68 in the third round of the Heineken Classic.
The world number three, seeking his third successive win in the event, mixed five birdies and an eagle with three bogeys to finish at 22-under-par 194.
"A lead like this, it can start making you play a little bit safe. I don't want to do that," South African Els said.
Joint second at 14-under 202 were New Zealand's Gareth Paddison (67) and Australia's Adam Scott (68).
Sweden's Peter Hanson, who fired a 66, was a further shot back in a tie for fourth with Australian duo Peter Fowler (69) and Peter O'Malley (68).
After collecting three birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, the 34-year-old Els moved six clear of playing partner Scott with an eagle at the par-five 10th.
The three-times major champion reeled off consecutive birdies at 11 and 12 before faltering with a bogey five at the 396-yard 16th. He then signed off with pars on 17 and 18.
The South African's opening rounds of 60 and 66 had left him just a stroke off the European Tour record low of 125 for 36 holes, but his 22-under total of 194 was the best score to par after three rounds.
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