Westwood closing in on Canizares at European PGA Championship

England's Lee Westwood believes he is perfectly placed and primed for a final day assault on the European PGA Championship after finishing round three just a stroke behind leader Alejandro Canizares of Spain.

Canizares' strong finish enabled him to steal a one-shot advantage over Westwood with his 68 putting him on 9-under as sunshine and warmth made a welcome return to a course drenched by rain on the opening two days.

Italy's Matteo Manassero and Scotland's Marc Warren are just a shot further back on 7-under with a host of other contenders lying just behind and intending to make it a nail-biting Sunday shoot-out for the title.

Brett Rumford (2-over) and Andrew Dodt (3-over) are the only Australians to have made the cut.

There are 13 players within just four shots of the lead but Westwood, who is seeking his first ever victory in this tournament having been runner-up twice in his 20 years of taking part, was in confident mood.

"I have not won this tournament before and it would be nice to get my hands on the trophy. I'm after as many wins as I can get," the 40-year-old said.

"If I do finish it off tomorrow it would rank right up there with my victory in the Race to Dubai title in 2009 and also the Australian Open in 1997 when I beat Greg Norman.

"I felt much more in tune with my swing and had a lot of chances out there. I felt a lot of support and have never enjoyed a round of golf more than I did today. Perhaps they have missed me since I moved to Florida."

The world number 12 thrived in the sun by eagling the fourth and birdies at the seventh, 12th, 14th and 17th put him into the lead.

As others faltered, it was left to Canizares to deny him the lead when the Spaniard birdied the last two holes.

"I did not expect to be leading here going into the final day but I am not getting too excited because anything can happen," Canizares said.

"I'm sure I will be nervous. More nervous than Lee Westwood but it is a great opportunity for me. I've done it a few times before so I know how it is.

"Some people say the pressure is always on the leader going into the fourth day but I would rather be leading than six shots back. So I am happy."

Overnight leader Francesco Molinari endured a minor meltdown at the end of his front nine - slipping back from 8-under to 3-under as he dropped five shots in three holes but repaired some of the damage to make a 73 and four shots adrift along with brother Edoardo.