Renato Paratore will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the British Masters after carding a second successive five-under 66.

Paratore started moving day at the top of the leaderboard and that is where the Italian finished it on 16 under as he eyes a second European Tour title at Close House Golf Club.

The 23-year-old Rome native is bogey-free in the first full European Tour event since the season was suspended due to the coronavirus in March.

Paratore made three birdies on the front nine and another at the 12th before finishing his third round with another gain to lead Justin Harding by a solitary stroke.

South African Harding matched Paratore's round on the outskirts of Newcastle on Friday, an eagle three at the 10th the highlight of his day.

Rasmus Hojgaard is poised just a further shot back following a 66 of his own, while Dale Whitnell was at 13 under after shooting a 68.

Sam Horsfield surged into contention with the lowest round of his European Tour career, joining fellow Englishman Ashley Chesters on 12 under with a sublime 10-under 61.

Tournament host Lee Westwood is languishing at level-par after going around in 72.