Scott increases lead to five

Australian Adam Scott recovered from a wasp sting and a faltering start to increase his lead in the third round of the Scottish PGA Championship on Saturday.

After picking up four strokes in the last three holes for a five-under-par 67, Scott, on 17-under-par 199, will take a five-stroke lead over his compatriot Scott Gardiner and Scotland's Raymond Russell into Sunday's final round.

Russell, who twice caught Scott when the Australian threw in some early bogeys, enjoyed a run of five birdies in six holes around the turn before Gardiner caught up with him by shooting five birdies over the last six holes.

European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance also had a big finish, his eagle and birdie at the last two holes providing late presents as he celebrated his 49th birthday by holding fourth place, two further strokes back.

Scott acknowledged that his blistering finish had given him some breathing space.

"Even if I was only one ahead I would have taken it because it is an advantage over everyone else, but finishing like that makes it hard for the other guys, because they have a lot to think about tonight," he said. "I just have to think about getting good rhythm tomorrow."

Scott, after victories in South Africa and Qatar on the European Tour, is anxious for another win.

"It would definitely be a good step for me," he said. "It would help me believe that I can win anywhere.

"Maybe it would give me the confidence in the big ones over here on the European continent."

The young Australian refuted a suggestion that the wasp sting affected his start, where he hit into right heavy rough and was lucky to get a free drop after his ball plugged.

Gardiner, still struggling to make a card in Europe after missing out by just three places last year, was poised to end his woes after a troubled second season playing away from Australia.

He fired five birdies in the last six holes to shoot the third 65 of the week and emulate his compatriots Scott and Richard Green.

"I just haven't been making the most of my opportunities and I've found it hard to motivate myself," said the 26-year-old son a of Scottish father and Aborigine mother.

"My 21st at the start of the season in the Johnnie Walker Classic has been my best result and it's been lucky that I've had my next-door-neighbor caddying for me to keep up my spirits.

"Now I've got chance to put things right."

Russell, too, is playing for a card next year. The 1996 Cannes Open winner has slumped to 133rd in the rankings and needs a big check to keep his full playing rights.

Dutchman Rolf Muntz, who lost a playoff for this title in 1999, shot 64, the best round of the week. He lies 10 strokes off the lead, but is in line for the $5,000 Rolex watch for the best round of the tournament.

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