Luke Donald takes narrow advantage

Luke Donald and David Howell, two of Britain's victorious Ryder Cup players, are poised for a head-to-head battle for the BMW International Open on Sunday, although the Nord Eichenried event is no two-horse race.

Donald, boosted by a chip-in for eagle at the par-five ninth that lifted him from a slow start, fired a five-under-par 67 in Saturday's third round to finish at 17-under 199.

Howell was a stroke behind after carding a 66 while Australia's Brett Rumford (69), co-leader overnight with Donald, was tied for third at 15 under alongside diminutive Dane Soren Kjeldsen (65) and another Briton, Simon Khan (68).

Lurking one shot behind them was the burly figure of twice major champion John Daly, the 2001 Munich winner, who charged through the field with a 65 after rediscovering some form with his putter.

Donald, still chasing his first victory of the year, was well aware of the logjam of players in touch with the top of the leaderboard.

"It obviously all depends how David and I go but anyone within four or five shots of the lead still has a chance if they get hot," said the 27-year-old Englishman.

"For instance, John Daly's obviously got the length and a very good short game."

After leading at the halfway stage of last week's WGC-NEC International in Akron before fading to sixth place behind winner Tiger Woods, Donald is delighted to be back in contention for a title so soon.

Howell, back in action over the last three weeks after two months out with torn stomach muscles, is also hunting a first win of the year after twice losing out in playoffs.

"I've won two tournaments around the world but they were a few years ago and I've improved since then, so it's strange I've not won again," said the Englishman, whose only European Tour victory came at the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic.

"I've worked on some different things since my recent injury, though, and hopefully that will stand me in good stead tomorrow."

Argentine Ricardo Gonzalez, after returning a 68, shares sixth place with Daly, one ahead of compatriot Angel Cabrera, who would have been two strokes better had it not been for an unwitting act by his caddie, fellow Argentine Edoardo Gardino.

Gardino incorrectly raked a bunker in between his player's ball and the pin at the par-four hole where Cabrera ended up recording a regulation four.

Tournament director Mike Stewart said: "Cabrera had come up short of the bunker and his caddie walked forward to get the yardage.

"He paced it out through the bunker and then raked his footprints as he came out, on the line of play for Cabrera.

"It's a two-shot penalty under Rule 13, for improving the line of play for his player."

Duly penalised, Cabrera had to settle for a double-bogey six at the hole and his round of 70 left him at 13-under 203.

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