Three way tie on top of leaderboard

Padraig Harrington bogeyed the last hole to leave a three-way tie for the lead at the end of the third round of the Benson and Hedges International Open on Saturday.

Ireland's Harrington, New Zealander Stephen Scahill and Englishman Paul Casey were locked at 10 under par, one shot clear of defending champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina.

Scahill, who equalled the course record 65, and European 2001 rookie of the year Casey (66), made the most significant steps on a cold, wet day at The Belfry, as they posted aggregate totals of 206 alongside Harrington, who carded a 71.

Cabrera also bogeyed the last to post a 70 that left him three shots clear of Dutchman Rolf Muntz in fifth.

Scahill, 33, came roaring through the field with seven birdies in a blemish-free round as he continued his efforts to earn a tour card.

"It was a disappointment to lose the card," said Scahill. "But even though I played well for much of last year and made a lot of cuts, at the weekends I got a bit anxious.

"This year I've concentrated on working up to the weekend and concentrating on it, making sure I'm not mentally fatigued and I'm planning each week on how to play each course individually instead of just working on my swing."

Harrington is trying to atone for what happened three years ago when he was disqualified minutes before going out for his final round with a five-shot lead after it was discovered he had not signed his first-round card.

The 31-year-old world number 10 admitted to 'scrambling' and was relieved to still be ahead after an indifferent day.

"My ambition before this season was to improve my short game so that when I have off-days like today I can still make a score," he said.

"I'm a big threat to myself; I worry much more about myself than anybody else. I can't control what they are doing. I've got to do my own thing."

Casey is looking for a first win in his home country after taking the Scottish PGA title in 2001.

"I class Scotland as a home win but England would be sweeter," said the former Walker Cup amateur.

He had looked as though he would win the Canaries Spanish Open two weeks ago but lost his way on the final day, losing a ball up a palm tree and having to settle for a tie for sixth place.

"I felt like I should have won in Tenerife and it hurt not to," he said. "I should have put the foot down because I was in such a good position after two days."

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