Golf: Cambo stays in touch in Abu Dhabi

Former US Open champion Michael Campbell remains in contention heading into tonight's final round at the Abu Dhabi Championship on the European Tour. Photo / Getty Images.

Former US Open champion Michael Campbell remains in contention heading into tonight's final round at the Abu Dhabi Championship on the European Tour.

The 43-year-old last tasted victory at the World Match Play at Wentworth in 2005, but sits in a tie for eighth heading into the fourth round of his first tournament of the year.

Campbell, who carded a one under in the second round to be tied seventh at the halfway stage, backed it up with a three under par 69 on moving day.

After three straight rounds in the black at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Campbell will fancy his chances of at least a top 10 finish when he tees off just after 9pm (NZT).

He will begin five shots back from England's Justin Rose, who leads by two shots on -12.

Campbell's performance is a continuation of the improved form he showed last year when he recorded a third place finish in Portugal and a tie for eighth in Hong Kong.

He was the hottest property at today's auction for the inaugural Golf Premier League to be held next month in India. The Shubhkamna Eagles paid $73,000 to secure the services of the Kiwi ahead of the tournament, which is dubbed as golf's answer to the Indian Premier League cricket competition.

The tournament is played over 14 holes instead of the usual 18 and features two day-night rounds of strokeplay and a final round in the best-ball format.