An impressive seven-under-par third round of 65 has moved Callum Shinkwin firmly into contention for a high finish at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Following an encouraging opening round of 65 in his fist European Tour event of the season, the Bushey-based player made the cut by just one shot following a two-over-par 74 yesterday as he dropped back to two-under for the tournament.

The Moor Park Golf Club professional’s second round featured a seven on the par five tenth hole, but Shinkwin had no such problems this morning and was quickly into the scoring groove with a birdie three on the first.

Two more birdies on the front nine followed at the par four third and sixth holes as the 23-year-old went out in 33. And Shinkwin started the back nine as he meant to continue with a fourth birdie of the day on the 10th.

Number five followed on the par four 13th and he rounded off a very good day’s work with a birdie-par-birdie finish following a three on 16 and a four on the 18th hole.

Shinkwin’s impressive round has moved up him to a share of seventh place at the time of writing on nine-under-par, three behind overnight leader Martin Kaymer, who has yet to start his third round.

The former English Amateur Champion’s best European Tour result to date was a tie for eighth at last year’s Scottish Open, a result which secured his card and a place at The Open.