Retief Goosen still leads the Telefonica Madrid Open by two shots halfway through the final round and is also a step closer to winning the European order of Merit.
The South African Started the day on 17-under but improved by three shot by the time he reached the turn in 33 with the most unlikely birdie presenting itself at the par three ninth.
Goosen missed the green on the right side to finish in a horrid lie. A short downhill pitch to the hole was applied with a deft touch and although the ball would have finished some six-eight feet past, instead it hit the flag and dropped in.
The US Open champion’s nearest challenge comes from a pair of Englishmen, Steve Webster and Brian Davis on 19-under.
Davis has been making the boldest move by reaching the 15th hole in a staggering nine-under par. The highlight was an eagle three at the long fourth.
It has been a disappointing day for Waterville’s David Higgins who let a prominent overnight position (second) slip somewhat. The 28-year-old was two-over for his round after 11 holes and dropped back to 13-under par.
Darren Clarke already conceded defeat in the Order of Merit chase to Goosen yesterday. Nevertheless, he remains persistent in pursuit of his second European Tour win this season. The 34-year-old was four-under for his round to be 16-under overall through 11 holes.
Padraig Harrington will not successfully defend his title from 12 months ago but the Dubliner is not far off the pace. He was 12-under after 16 holes and three-under for his round thus far.
Veteran Des Smyth carded a two-under par 69 for a 10-under 274 total which should be good enough for a top 30 finish for this year’s Madeira Island Open winner.