Spaniard Pablo Martin, just turned 17, has a chance of becoming the first amateur to beat European professionals for 42 years after carding a blistering eight-under-par 64 to share the third round lead in the Canaries Spanish Open today.
Martin's eight birdies took him to the top of the leaderboard on 19-under-par 197. He shares a one-stroke lead with Santiago Luna, Soren Hansen, Paul Casey, Kenneth Ferrie and Simon Khan.
If the Malaga teenager can win tomorrow, he will become the first amateur to win a professional event on the PGA and European Tours since 22-year-old Irishman David Sheehan in 1961 at Royal Dublin in the Jeyes Tournament.
"The last three holes of the second round my hands were shaking when I realised the position I was in but now I'm not pressurised and if I play like I did today again, I think I can win," Martin said.
Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley leads the Irish challenge. He is two shots off the lead following a fine five under par this afternoon.
The Dubliner opened with birdie but bogeyed the par five third. However, further birdies at six, eight and 11 and a splendid eagle three at the last has propelled him into championship contention.
Peter Lawrie recorded five birdies on his way to a three under par 69 and sits menacingly three shots off the pace on 16 under. Graeme McDowell, a shot further back, is also right in contention and carded a 68 while Gary Murphy is eight shots off the pace.