World No.3 Dustin Johnson shot a stunning nine-under-par 61 to take a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Saudi International in King Abdullah Economic City.
The American, who was in tied 31st place after Thursday's action, produced a spotless round that included seven birdies and an eagle to go 11-under for the tournament at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club on Friday.
Australian Scott Hend carded an impressive seven-under, featuring eight birdies, to sit four shots behind Johnson going into the final round.
"It was really good. Obviously you always have fun when you're playing well, but I did a lot of the same things I did yesterday," Johnson said.
"The greens rolled a little bit better today. I felt like I paid a lot more attention to exactly what the putts were going to do and just tried to make sure I just trusted the line that I was playing and made some putts today."
China's Li Haotong carded a 65 to share second place with South Africa's Zander Lombard who signed off with 67.
Starting on the back nine, Johnson sank four birdies but his best form came after the turn when he rattled in a 30-foot eagle putt on the par five fourth hole.
"I like the course... I'm driving it really well right now, so if I keep hitting it in the fairway, I'm going to really like this course," he added.
Australian Jake McLeod is in equal tenth and six shots off lead, scraping into par in the third round after carding three bogeys on the his back nine.
Overnight leader Thomas Pieters slipped to 18th after a poor round of 74 that included seven bogeys, while world number one Justin Rose missed the cut after a round of 72.
Dubai Desert Classic winner Bryson DeChambeau was tied for 12th alongside five others.
Reigning US Masters champion Patrick Reed, who was presented with honorary life membership of the European Tour on Friday, was tied 33rd after carding 71.
Australian Min Woo Lee is in equal 47th and sitting 10 shots off the lead after carding 70 to make the cut.
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