Brandon Stone tamed the 'brutal' early conditions on day three at Al Mouj Golf to put himself in a strong position heading into the final 36 holes of the Oman Open.
The South African had to play his entire second round on Saturday after high winds brought sandstorms which saw play suspended early on day two.
The wind was blowing again as play resumed but Stone tackled it in brilliant fashion, carding a very impressive 70 to sit just a shot off the lead.
The three time European Tour winner has some pedigree in the wind after claiming his first Rolex Series title at last season's Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, and was proud of his efforts in Muscat.
“It’s very challenging out there, the wind is absolutely brutal," he said. "To sign for a 70 today is something to be very proud of.
“It’s so tricky out there with the conditions. They made the correct decision yesterday to suspend - the greens were too quick and the ball was just blowing off. The course is in incredible condition, it just shows how brutal this wind is.
“I’ve managed myself really well this week, had a great strategy. Mikey (caddie) and I said we were going to try and take over the golf course.
"Guys in the clubhouse might be sat in a dark corner because this golf course can drive you crazy if you let it. I felt as though I managed my emotions very well.
“Any time you get yourself into contention going into the weekend is fantastic. I’m hoping to build on that and hopefully I can give myself an opportunity going into the final nine on Sunday.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar was also at four under and the Indian revealed he has never played in such difficult conditions before.
"These conditions are, by far, the toughest I’ve ever played in," he said.
"The goal is to stay focused and relaxed and give 100 per cent at the weekend.
"The goal is to keep the ball in play, hit a lot of fairways and greens in regulation and give myself a lot of birdie looks. That will be the key for the next 36 holes. Anybody who plays in regulation and makes key birdies will be at the top of the leaderboard.”
Kurt Kitayama saw his ball blown into a bunker on the third before play was suspended on day two and he was also one shot off the lead.
“What happened on the third yesterday has never happened before, it was really unfortunate," he said. "I gathered myself and focused on the putt and made a good par in the end.
“Except for three, four and five, it felt good out there. It’s tough hitting your tee shots into the wind but I’m looking forward to playing the next two rounds."
Paraguayan Fabrizio Zanotti completed the group in second and was hoping for some joy with the putter over rounds three and four.
“The conditions were really tough," he said. "In the morning it wasn’t that windy, it was getting stronger and stronger when we were playing.
“It is really windy now. Compared to when I was playing yesterday, I think it’s a bit tougher.
“I’m playing consistently and hitting it well from tee to green. Hopefully over the weekend I can hole some more putts and have a chance on Sunday. I’m happy with my position and my golf as well.”
