Higley and Gonzalez are two strokes ahead of American Edward Loar (72), Prom Meesawat of Thailand (70) and Angelo Que of the Philippines (68). It is the first time the Yeovil resident has led a European Tour event - and he was delighted to find himself in the position. Higley said: "It feels good. Obviously, it is new territory and I'm sure I'll be nervous, like I was today. But I'm just going to keep doing the same things that I have been doing the last few days and hopefully I will get the same results."

Having recovered after bogeying the first two holes of the round to pick up five birdies including a pair at the last two holes, Higley will be stressing the mantra of patience when he joins Gonzalez and Que in the final group today. "The rough is thick out there and obviously the heat can get to you, so you have to accept what happens to you and just take the rough with the smooth.

That's what I think I have done quite well. It's a different atmosphere out here to the Challenge Tour and you do feel a bit awkward to begin with. But hopefully if you keep playing well, people will respect you for that and that's all you can ask for."

While Higley is challenging for his first ever European Tour victory, Gonzalez will be seeking his first Tour win in three years in Kuala Lumpur.

Having done well in recent weeks with fourth place finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, the 37-year-old from Cordoba is full of confidence for the final round. "I'm very happy. Today I played really well and made a lot of putts, " said the Argentinian, who shot a 69 yesterday.