AFP/Stockholm

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson delighted the home fans with a brilliant third round of 64 to join Englishman Eddie Pepperell in a share of the lead going into the final round of the Nordea Masters.

World Number Two Stenson posted seven birdies and a spectacular eagle at the par four seventh hole, he holed his eight iron approach shot from 155 yards. After dropping his only shot of the day on the 15th, Stenson birdied the closing two holes at PGA Sweden National to set the clubhouse target of 13 under par, which was matched moments later by the overnight co-leader Pepperell, who signed for a 65.

Pepperell opened his round with three consecutive birdies, then picked up further shots on the 11th and 12th holes before another hat-trick of gains from the 14th to take the outright lead. However, a bogey on the 17th hole means he will start the final round level with European Number One Stenson. Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Spaniard Alvaro Quiros are one shot behind the leading pair after rounds of 65 and 66 respectively, while Frenchman Victor Dubuisson is a further stroke adrift on 11 under par following a 67.

“The crowds have been great. I haven’t played in front of home crowds for a while and with the success I’ve had I really feel the support. I’m going to enjoy tomorrow and try to be up there tomorrow with nine to go and try to win this tournament for them,” Stenson said.

“It would be great to do it. I’ve not won in Sweden before and obviously I would like to do that in my career. It seems like I’m going to have a chance tomorrow, but there is a long way to go and a lot of good players up there. I’m sure I need to stick to my play and be there when it really matters tomorrow.”Pepperell was also excited to be tied with Stenson.

“Henrik is tied with me so it is going to be a great day tomorrow, but I’ve just keep to keep focused on my game and do what I’ve been doing. If I do that I’ll have a shot come the last and I’ll enjoy it,” he said.

“Henrik is one of the best players in the world, he’s in fine form and it is his home country. I couldn’t ask for much more really from a final round. It’s going to be really exciting for me and I’ve got to make it exciting for him.”