Englishman Max Orrin described it as the best round of his life as the former Walker Cup player moved into a share of the lead with Korea’s Byeong-hun An at the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic courtesy of a stunning four under third round 68 in extremely testing conditions.

The 20-year-old was one of just six players to card an under par round as the winds took their toll at the Almouj Golf, The Wave.

He managed to carve out a three under par front nine before the gusts began to blow, but his one under par back nine was the more impressive as he signed for the only bogey-free round of the day to move to the top on six under par.

“It’s difficult to put it in words,” said Orrin, who currently lies in 68th in the Challenge Tour Rankings and is chasing a big result to earn a place in the season-ending Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final hosted by Al Badia Golf Club.

“It’s the best round I’ve ever had. Every time you get on the tee you’re just praying you keep it straight, it is scary.

“I’ve been speaking to my coach and he said I had a low one coming. Today, it feels like I’ve shot a 60 but it’s a 68.

“You never go into a week thinking you’re going to win, it’s just about being there on the back nine on Sunday with a chance and hopefully I can do that.”

An, meanwhile, held firm at the top having entered the weekend in a share of the lead with Spaniard Pedro Oriol, the 23-year-old recording a one over par 73.

While the former US Amateur Champion had moved into a two-shot lead on nine under par at one point, he was just happy that his title challenge was not blown off course by the extremely tough conditions and is looking forward to competing for a second title of the season.

“It was pretty tough out there,” said the 2014 Rolex Trophy champion.

“I was hitting it really well but I knew it was going to be tough on the last couple of holes. It was straight into the wind coming in, and it was blowing about 30 miles per hour but it felt like 50.

“I don’t mind the wind; it’s not just for me, it’s for everyone and it really tests your skills so it won’t matter to me if it blows tomorrow.”

Mark Tullo shot the lowest round of the day, signing for an impressive six under par 66 having teed off in tamer conditions earlier in the morning.

The Chilean, who has already secured his playing status on The European Tour next year having already amassed ¤107,093 (Dh492,000) in the Challenge Tour Rankings, lay two shots off the pace in third on four under par, while Scot Andrew McArthur (73) was a shot further back on three under.