Big South African Ernie Els has roared into contention in the Heineken golf classic at Royal Melbourne.

Stung by his sudden and puzzling lack of form early in the event, the defending champion rattled in six birdie putts in Saturday's third round to speed to within four shots of the pace.

Els has made a stunning start to 2003, winning the first two US PGA Tour events in Hawaii and finishing second in Singapore last week.

He was a firm favourite for back-to-back victories here but started with a first round 70 and a lacklustre even par 72 on Friday.

Els began his charge at the par five second when he moved to three under par.

He reached the turn in 32 following three more birdies then began the back nine with successive birdies.

Earlier England's Brian Davis joined a leaderboard clogged with British players when he fired a third round 65 - seven under par.

Davis, a winner of the 2000 Peugeot Spanish Open, narrowly avoided missing the cut as he finished level with the card - right on the limit - after earlier rounds of 70-74.

Britons headed the action leading into the weekend, spearheaded by 25-year-old rising star Paul Casey.

Casey started the third round 12 under par after shooting 65-67 and was two clear of compatriot David Lynn.

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