WENTWORTH, England (AFP, REUTERS) - Miguel Angel Jimenez struck a superb hole in one to get his third round off to a flying start in the European PGA Championship at Wentworth on Saturday.

He set a European Tour record for career holes in one, his 10th ace taking him past Briton Colin Montgomerie's tally of nine. His previous one had just come at last week's Spanish Open.

The 51-year-old went to eight-under-par for the tournament, two behind joint leaders Francesco Molinari of Italy, Thai Thongchai Jaidee and South Korean An Byeong Hun, when he aced the 154-yard second.

The veteran Spaniard had the crowd on its feet and cheering loudly as he showed his intention to play positive, attacking golf and move into contention.

His trademark gun slinger's pose turned to the old snake hips celebration as he removed his sunglasses and smiled broadly.

Jimenez nailed his iron and was delighted to see it bounce just beyond the pin and spin back into the hole.