Fasth maintains narrow lead from Payne

Swede Niclas Fasth sustained his attempt to win his first European Tour title by securing a two-shot lead after the third round of the Madeira Island Open on Saturday.

Fasth's bid for the elusive victory could be threatened on the final round by Briton Jim Payne, who stormed into contention after the Swede made a blazing start to the day.

Fasth, who led by one shot overnight, scattered the field by picking up five strokes in the first six holes but Payne refused to buckle.

Both men went on to card four-under-par 68s, Fasth moving to 10-under 206, two better than Payne, who six years ago underwent major back surgery and last year had to finish his season by July because of a thumb injury.

Payne, winner of the 1993 Balearic Open and 1996 Italian Open, is surrounded by Swedish players.

Raimo Sjoberg, despite having his putter stolen from his golf bag the previous day, is two strokes further back after carding a 70.

Henrik Stenson, second in the Challenge Tour Kenya Open last week, is on 211, while Mikael Lundberg, Fredrik Henge and Richard Johnson, the latter carding the day's best 67, are on 212.

None of the Swedes surrounding Payne have won before, but Fasth is sure his time has come after missing out twice before for a Tour title to two of Europe's top names.

"I've had two second places and both times had really good chances to win," said Fasth, who is in his seventh year on tour. "But Colin Montgomerie won by one and, on the other occasion, Bernhard Langer made a few birdies towards the finish to beat me.

"Being in such a good position as this, should give me a really good chance. I feel very confident about it. It's going to be fun."

Fasth left everyone in his wake when he picked up an eagle and three birdies in his first six holes, but then an unexpected shank shot at the ninth brought Payne, who birdied the ninth and 10th, nearer to him.

Payne missed the final green to bogey but feels he is where he wants to be.

"Today's round has left me less people to worry about," said Payne. "In a way I feel you're better off not leading. It's not mine to throw away. It's mine to have a go at, which is positive."

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