Graeme McDowell and Simon Khan were locked in a private battle for the Scottish Open title midway through the final round.

McDowell, who shared the lead with Khan overnight, began in steady style with five successive pars before birdies at the sixth and eighth took him to the turn at 12-under-par in the British Open warmup event.

Khan, partnering the Co Antrim player, dropped a stroke at the second but birdies at the sixth, seventh and ninth meant he was able to move back into a tie for the lead.

Richard Green held third spot on 10-under through 11 holes, one ahead of South African James Kingston (13 holes) and India's Jeev Milkha Singh (11).

Stephen Gallacher, nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard, and Alvaro Quiros of Spain sprinted through the field with matching seven-under-par 64s.

World number two Phil Mickelson was unable to make much impression on a calm, sunny day on the banks of Loch Lomond. The American left-hander carded a 73 for 282.