| Hansen
pulls five shots clear Overnight
leader Anders Hansen proved that he means business after a third round 66 put
him five shots clear of the Volvo PGA Championship at Wentworth after Saturday's
third round. Hansen
started the day on eleven under, two clear of Colin Montgomerie and Eduardo Romero. But
as the afternoon's events unfolded, the great Dane found himself easing away from
the chasing pack, finishing on 17 under par. Hansen,
yet to win a tour title, produced some tremendous golf in the howling wind on
Wentworth's West course, with his 66 following rounds of 68 and 65, as his counterparts
failed to trouble him. Montgomerie,
who at one stage looked like not turning up today due to a back injury, made an
ideal start after a birdie on the second took him to within one shot of the lead. But
the Scot's challenge soon turned to dust, as bogeys came on three, six and seven
to take him to one over par at the turn. Given
Montgomerie's worsening disposition it seemed he was headed for disaster, but
he managed to pick up birdies on 10 and 12 to finish with a level par 72, nine
under overall. Romero
initially struggled to keep up with playing-partner Hansen. The Argentine could
only manage a double bogey six on the third, before dropping another shot on the
sixth. Birdies on four and seven helped, as did two sensational eagles on the
last two holes to take Romero to 10 under par. Maarten
Lafeber enjoyed a fine day at the office shooting a third round 67. The
Dutchman picked up four shots in his last four holes to come back in 33. But
despite Lafeber's fine showing on Saturday, if Hansen can stay focused you feel
he will win his first European tour title. A
birdie on the second had a soothing effect on the Dane, before three birdies and
a bogey from four through seven took him to 14 under par. Hansen
will play with Carlos Rodiles on Sunday, after the Spaniard went round in 68.
Having reached the turn in 36, you could be forgiven for thinking Rodiles would
slump down the leaderboard. But
a brilliant blemish-free back nine 32, which included five birdies, ensured that
Rodiles will be out last on Sunday. Email
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