Francesco Molinari held off a barrage of challengers on a third straight low-scoring day at the Scottish Open golf, shooting a 5-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead into Sunday’s final round.

The Italian, who held the overnight lead with Alexander Noren, remained consistent in changing weather around the Castle Stuart links to stay in front on 17 under.

Anders Hansen is Molinari’s closest challenger after shooting a 65, upstaging top-ranked playing partner Luke Donald (68) in the process, while Phil Mickelson also signed for a 65 to lie tied for fifth with three other players on 14 under.

Noren was among that quartet – the Swede was keeping pace with Molinari until making a triple-bogey 8 on No.12 and finished with a 70.

Best of the Australians was Richard Green (67), five off the pace in a tie for 16th.