Westwood posted a third round 67 to move into second place on eight under par and one shot behind Spain’s Alejandro Canizares.
Canizares birdied his closing two holes in a score of 68 to break clear of Westwood and a player ranked No. 12 in the world and 270 spots higher than the 30-year old Spaniard.
Lee Westwood striding to a hopeful first BMW PGA win in his 20th Wentworth showing. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
Canizares best finish at Wentworth was 10th four years ago and if he were to win he would become the sixth different Spaniard to reign supreme on the famed West Course.
“It was a great day for me that started out really well with two birdies in my first three holes and then ended also on a good note with birdies at 17 and 18,” he said.
“I know that people will look at the leader board and would assume Lee (Westwood) is going to win.
“But this sport has proven that it’s not always what it looks like and it’s not always what it should be.
“This sport is a very special one, and anything can happen and anybody can win, and anybody within five shots of the lead has an opportunity to win, so you never know.”
Westwood capped his round with a fourth hole eagle and should he win, the now Florida-based Brit would set the record for the most appearances before winning the event for a first time.
Victory also would continue the recent England-born dominance of the BMW PGA and with Westwood, who lost in a play-off to Luke Donald two years ago, becoming the fifth straight Englishman to have won.
“I’ve now been coming here 20 years and it would feel great to win,” said Westwood.
“I’m after as many wins as I can get, no matter where they are. It’s been a good first couple of days and today I felt much more in tune with the swing.
“I’ve won the World Match-Play before and lost this event in a play-off to Luke (Donald) two years ago, and also was second in 2000.
“But then I’ve always played well around here and I feel the course suits my game and I’m in contention again this week.”
Two players – Scotland Marc Warren (70) and Italy’s Matteo Manassero (69) are tied in third place on seven under par.
And Spain’s Sergio Garcia, despite the controversy earlier in the week and suggestions he should have withdrawn from the event, has been helped by the overwhelming crowd support in posting a 68 to be in an eight-way share of sixth place on five under par and only four off the lead.
“I played my best golf all week today and it was nice to post a decent score,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that everybody had made this week easier for me. The crowds here, I don’t have words to explain what I feel towards them.
