Thomas Bjorn will take a three-shot lead into the final day of the Estoril Open after posting a seven-under-par 65 in his third round in Portugal. The Dane produced a flawless round, including five birdies on the back nine, to end the day clear of Australia’s Richard Green on 19 under par.
Green was the day’s big mover as his eight-under-par round, the best of the day, moved him into contention.
Ireland’s Damien McGrane is two shots further back, after a round of 68, one shot clear of Daniel Vancsik and England’s Robert Coles and Robert Rock, who are all at 13 under.
Another pair of Englishmen are on 12 under in the form of Chris Wood, tipped by many as a possible winner after his fine performance at the recent BMW PGA Championship, and Steve Webster.
Luke Goddard recovered from his 73 yesterday to post a round of 68 that moved him into a share of ninth place with Wales’ Bradley Dredge, Denmark’s Mark F Haastrup and Scotland’s Andrew Coltart.
But it was a poor day for Bjorn’s playing partner Carlos Del Moral. The Spaniard had entered the lead tied for the lead with the two-time Ryder Cup winner, but he made an awful start to his round with bogeys at the first and second.
He recovered to pick up shots on the par fives at six and seven, but then dropped shots at 11 and 15 as he posted a two-over total of 74 to drop to 10 under for the tournament.