A third round 66 propelled Argentina’s Juan Pablo Abbate into a share of the lead with Ireland’s Damien McGrane at the Telefonica Centro Abierta do Guatemala at Club Hacienda Nueva.

McGrane, four ahead overnight, extended his advantage to five shots after nine holes but a triple bogey at the 12th derailed his charge and he finished with a round of 74. After three rounds Abbate and McGrane are tied on a ten under par total of 203, one stroke ahead of South African Michael Kirk, and two in front of Argentine Hernan Rey and Sweden’s Johan Edfors.

A total of 20 players are within seven strokes of the lead in this the second co-sanctioned event between the European Challenge Tour and the Tour de las Americas. Abbate, 27, the current leader of the Order of Merit. On the Tour de las Americas, was thrilled to be in contention going into the final day.

He commented: "When I arrived and saw the wind was strong I knew it would be a day to hang in and try not to lose ground on the leaders. It’s a bit of a surprise now to be at the top, but I really did play well, a round of almost no mistakes. My mental attitude was great, very positive."

Abbate believes several sessions last year with an Argentine sports psychologist helped tame his temperament while his recent marriage and young daughter have also helped: He added: "I’m now the family provider, so I have to take life more responsibly."

McGrane made an indifferent start - missing the green at his opening hole and adding three putts for a double bogey, but by the turn he was again very much in command.

He said: "I put three birdies together from the sixth to the eighth and was a bit unlucky not to make it four-in-a-row at the ninth" said the 31 year old Irishman from Wexford.

"I struggled a bit during the back nine" added the Irishman, who has full European Tour Membership this year after securing his card at the Qualifying School Finals. "I finished strongly, which was pleasing. On the last few holes, all playing downwind, it was hard to stop the ball close to the pins. Thanks to that at least I’m still in there with a fighting chance."

Of the 66 that vaulted Michael Kirk into solo third spot, the 26 year old from Johannesburg, he said: "The goal is to get into position for the last round and by playing nicely today I achieved the objective."