The local favourite led by two heading into Saturday's third round, but he was soon overtaken by playing partner Marco Penge when he bogeyed the second and the Englishman birdied the fifth and sixth. 

Hojgaard birdied the eighth to return to 12 under, but Penge also picked up a shot at the same hole to remain one ahead. 

Penge bogeyed the 11th to slip back and when Hojgaard nervelessly birdied the 17th, the Dane was in the lead on his own. 

The 24-year-old, who won this event in 2023, was forced to chip on to the 17th fairway following an errant tee-shot at the last, but somehow saved par to remain in front at 13 under, with Penge in close quarters at Fureso Golf Klub. 

When asked if his heart was pumping when putting from six feet for par at the last, Hojgaard said: "It was but it was dead quiet, so I was looking forward to seeing what the reaction was going to be like. It's going to be an interesting day tomorrow. 

"Hundred per cent (the aim was to be patient). The wind was tricky out there, it was gusty, it was changing directions. So, yeah, the patience got tested a lot today. 

"It was great, I really enjoyed it. Hopefully I can bring some tears out there tomorrow. This is our fifth major so it would be cool if I could stand there with a trophy tomorrow. 

"It's a part of it. If I want to go out and play well tomorrow, I have to be able to handle the situation well. I'm looking forward to it. I know it's not going to be totally enjoyable, but I'm looking forward to it." 

Englishman Ben Schmidt carded eight birdies and a bogey as he equalled the course record with a stunning 64 to climb into solo third at nine under. 

Sweden's Mikael Lindberg recorded the 16th ace of the 2025 DP World Tour campaign with a hole-in-one at the par-three second.

Jason Scrivener and Elvis Smylie, the only two Australians to survive the cut,  are both six under,  seven off the lead, in a share of 10th place.

Scrivener carded a 70 while Smylie's 68 moved him up the leaderboard.