Apr 15, 2018: Paul Dunne will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Open de España but he will have two local favourites chasing him down at Centro Nacional de Golf.
The Irishman began his Saturday with a three-shot lead and fired a 68 to stay atop the leaderboard at 17 under, although a 66 from Spaniard Nacho Elvira cut his advantage as he goes in search of a second European Tour title.
The 25 year old claimed his maiden title at last season’s British Masters supported by Sky Sports, while Elvira’s best finish on the European Tour was a play-off loss at the 2016 Trophée Hassan II, although he does have four Challenge Tour wins.
“It’s probably the best my swing has felt, the best my body has felt like it’s been moving, but I just didn’t pull the shots off.
“There was a lot of grinding there on the back nine but I’m happy to get in with four under. Probably wouldn’t have taken it at the start of the day but given the shots that I hit, I’m pretty happy with it leading into tomorrow.
“Everything feels good, the game feels great, I just didn’t pick shots. I hit a few shots without having a shot in mind so that’s something to work on for tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll have a good day.
“I’m confident about tomorrow. I’m happy where everything is. There’s lots of shots I’d like to have back out there but I can’t so I’m just going to sleep on the lead and have a good day tomorrow.
World Number Four and local hero Jon Rahm was then at 15 under alongside Swede Henric Sturehed, one clear of Australian Brett Rumford and two ahead of England’s Andy Sullivan. The 23 year old has two Rolex Series victories under his belt from last season and will once again have huge galleries following him as he seeks a first professional victory on home soil.
Six-time winner Rumford made six birdies and two bogeys in a 68, while Sullivan followed up his remarkable 75-63 start with a 65 containing eight birdies and a single blemish as he continued to mount a remarkable comeback.
Home favourite Jorge Campillo, England’s Aaron Rai and Scot Marc Warren were at 12 under, a shot clear of defending champion Andrew Johnston, German Maximilian Kieffer, South African Jacques Kruyswijk and Scot Bradley Neil.
European Tour Release
