The leader for the opening two rounds, Nikki Garrett, shot a two-over 74 to drop to a share of fourth place in the Ladies European Tour’s Tenerife Open on Saturday.

But fellow Australian golfer Stacey Keating had a round of 70 to sit just one stroke behind new German leader Caroline Masson, who also shot 70 to be eight under par with one round remaining.

The 23-year-old Masson won the South African Women’s Open in July and would savour a second win for the seson.

“I’m glad I could finish two under. I think that’s a good score in the wind and I’m just happy with my situation for tomorrow,” she said.

“If it’s windy, it always makes it difficult but it’s about playing the right shot at the right time and shaping shots and I am able to shape it. If you are playing well, the wind doesn’t really matter.”

Garrett was three shots off the pace, having played the front nine in a dismal 40 before a pair of birdies on the way home eased the pain.

The Australian won this tournament five years ago and will head into the final round still with a chance of repeating that victory.

She shared fourth with France’s Celine Palomar, who had a 73.

Palomar’s compatriot Joanna Klatten was one stroke better off in third place on six under after a level-par 72.