Kiwi Ryan Fox in line for third 2022 win

New Zealander Ryan Fox is in a good position to land a third European Tour title of the year after moving into the joint lead at the Mallorca Open.

Ryan Fox, the son of All Blacks' World Cup-winning marksman Grant Fox, can't stop hitting the target himself on the European Tour and is in sight of a third triumph of his stellar year.

The 35-year-old Aucklander recorded six birdies in a sparkling, bogey-free round of 65 at the Son Muntaner Golf Club in Palma on Saturday to go into the final round as joint leader of the Mallorca Open.

But on a day of remarkable low-scoring, even Fox was outshone by German Yannick Paul, who joined him atop the leaderboard with three eagles and three birdies in a nine-under 62 which at one point had threatened to be in sub-60 territory.

Even better was Englishman Richard Mansell's course-record 61 which featured eight birdies on the back nine.

Fox had started the week third in the European Tour rankings after victories at the Ras al Khaimah Classic and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and a third triumph would have him chasing leader Rory McIlroy as No.2 in the standings.

"Obviously, I'd like to get closer to Rory and give him a bit of a run but it's nice knowing going into (the final event in) Dubai that I sort of hold it in my own hands.

"If I can go and win that event, I can probably win the Harry Vardon Trophy (as European Order of Merit winner).

"It's certainly a position I didn't expect to be in at the start of the year.

"I'm trying to treat these last couple of events before Dubai to get as close as possible and try to make it a bit more interesting.

"But, regardless, I'm pretty happy to be here and tomorrow I'll just go out and do what I've done all year - just try to beat the golf course."

Remarkably, Fox hasn't had a bogey since the opening hole of the week on Thursday and did well to keep the record going on Saturday with a couple of impressive par saves.

Since that dropped shot, he's record 15 birdies and an eagle. "It's always good to go bogey-free again, it's probably a record for me that many holes bogey-free so far this week.

"Hopefully I can continue that tomorrow."

Co-leader Paul had picked up nine shots in his first 11 holes, raising the prospect of a round in the 50s but he could only par his way home.

Dale Whitnell and Marcus Armitage were in a tie for third on 14 under.

The leading Australian is 49-year-old Scott Hend, whose third-round 68 moved him up into the top 30 at six under, while Maverick Antcliff (70) was tied for 64th.