Thomas Bjorn in contention for third Munich Open win

Thomas Bjorn moved into contention for a third Munich Open title as he closed to within one shot of the lead with a stunning penultimate round of 65.

The 42-year-old Dane, champion in 2000 and 2002, hit nine birdies to end the day on 14 under, just behind Alex Noren, Ernie Els and Alexander Levy.

Overnight leader Els fired a 69 for the second consecutive round after finding three birdies in the back-nine.

England's Matthew Baldwin mimicked the South African's score to make 14 under.

Bogeys at the sixth and 13th looked to be damaging for his hopes, before he carded two birdies in the final three holes to remain in the mix for a first European Tour trophy.

The 27-year-old was sat alongside Bjorn, who hoped he could claim his first win of the season on Sunday after finishing second and in a tie for fourth in his last two events.

"I played nicely the first two rounds," Bjorn told the European Tour website.

"I played really well and I needed that round to give myself a chance, I knew that when I set out today that it was important to find a round in the mid-60s to give myself a chance for tomorrow.

"I've always played this golf course well. It suits my eye well and I would generally say I've got a pretty good wedge game and that comes in handy on this golf course."

Play had been delayed for more than two hours by heavy rain which led to parts of the course flooding.

Despite the conditions, England's Danny Willett still has a chance of becoming the first man to successfully defend the title after he went into the club house on 12 under after a steady round which was lifted by an excellent eagle on 11.

He was joined on that overall score by home favourites Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer.