Broadhurst moves into lead with 66

Britain's Paul Broadhurst set up the chance of a first win in nine years when the former European Ryder Cup man took a one-shot lead in the British Masters third round on Saturday.

Broadhurst, 38, carded a six-under-par 66 in wet and testing conditions at Forest of Arden, the best round of the day. He surged to an 11-under-par 205, a stroke ahead of Argentine veteran Eduardo Romero and another ex-Ryder Cup player, Barry Lane of Britain.

Romero showed great character by staying in the hunt following his two-shot penalty in the second round for addressing a moving ball and then not replacing it on its original position.

While it is less than two years since Romero's last win, Broadhurst has not visited the winner's enclosure since the 1995 French Open.

"My kids can't remember me winning," said Broadhurst, who played in the 1991 Ryder Cup. "A guy came up to me in a shop three months ago and shook my hand and my lad Sam, who's six, said: 'My daddy used to be a really good golfer'.

"I'd like to win again to prove it to him."

Broadhurst's fall from the top has included returns to tour school in 2001 and 2002 and a season playing on invitations.

It is the first time since 1998 that Broadhurst, who lies 109th on the European money list, has led going into the final round of a European Tour event.

Romero is still on course to become the European Tour's oldest winner at 49 years and 297 days. Des Smyth of Ireland, won the 2001 Madeira Island Open at 48 years and 34 days.

The Cordoban ex-caddie shrugged off the previous day's mishap and concentrated on keeping in contention for his ninth European title and enhancing his chances of playing in majors, especially the British Open.

"I had to put the penalty out of my mind and get on with it," said Romero. "I'm playing good and I want to keep it going."

Overnight leader Patrik Sjoland of Sweden lies two strokes off the lead. Another Argentine player, Angel Cabrera, who led last week's Italian Open going into the final round, is a further stroke behind.

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