Graeme McDowell takes one-shot lead into final round at Saudi International

Northern Irishman one shot clear of Victor Dubuisson at King Abdullah Economic City

Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland on the 18th hole during the third round of the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club. Getty Images

Graeme McDowell birdied his final hole to take a one-shot lead after the third round at the Saudi International on Saturday.

Following a difficult front nine, McDowell made three straight birdies on the 12th, 13th and 14th before finishing with another on the par-four 18th at the King Abdullah Economic City.

The Northern Irishman, who last won on the European Tour in 2014, finished with four-under-par 66 to take him to 12-under overall, one shot clear of France's Victor Dubuisson.

"The putter has been ice cold over the last couple of days but it heated up a bit on the back nine," McDowell said. "It was really pleasing to get a few birdies there because I think the back nine has played difficult. I'm going to have to putt well to have a chance tomorrow.

"I keep an eye out for Victor, and it's nice to see him up there on the leaderboard."

Dubuisson carded a bogey-free 65, with birdies on the first three holes before adding two more on the back nine. Gavin Green dropped strokes on 14th and 15th but remained in contention for a maiden European Tour title at nine-under.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson is tied fourth on seven-under after a second consecutive round of 68, which included five birdies and three bogeys.

World No1 Brooks Koepka fired a 65 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club for his best round since shooting the same score in the final round of the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in July.

It was a big step forward for the four-times major champion, who is playing only his second tournament since recovering from a knee injury sustained in October.

Koepka sits six shots off the lead in seventh spot alongside fellow American Phil Mickelson and Belgium's Thomas Detry.