Steve Webster takes narrow advantage

Britain's Steve Webster, who has never won a European Tour title despite several close calls, charged into a one-shot lead in the Italian Open third round on Saturday.

Webster, second five times in a career that began in 1996, carded a six-under-par 66 at Castello di Tolcinasco to finish at 14-underr 202, a stroke better than overnight leader and compatriot Richard Finch.

Rookie Finch showed few signs of nerves over his unprecedented tenure of a European Tour leaderboard to return a 71, flagging only at the end of his round to slip back into second place.

The leaderboard is dominated by British players, with Simon Khan (68) and Bradley Dredge (71) a further stroke behind in a tie for third and the European Tour's tournament committee chairman Jamie Spence, who lost his card last year, in group at 11 under.

Webster built his lead on seven birdies in nine holes from the seventh and, if that was a touch of magic from the diminutive 30-year-old Englishman, it was apt.

He has decided to transform his fortunes by consulting a magician and mind-reader called Jamil Qureshi, who performs in touring shows and nightclubs as well and also works with several European Tour players on the mental side of playing.

"He puts me under, sort of hypnotises me, and it works. Jamil can even pull a rabbit out of your trousers," joked Webster.

"Seriously though, he has given me positive vibes to help me with my pre-shot routine and that's really helping my game."

This unusual coaching method has produced some extraordinary hitting for Webster but it has also got him into trouble this week.

He reduced his lead by twice over-hitting on his way to making two bogeys coming home and, in Friday's second round, misjudged his strength to hit on to a green when players were still putting out there. He had to make full apologies.

Webster concedes he has under-achieved since earning the silver medal as leading amateur in the 1995 British Open at St Andrews.

"When I look at players who have won (on tour), I know I am better than them," he said.

Finch is confident he can win a European Tour title in his rookie year.

"It was disappointing to make a couple of bogeys late on but I am still not out of it by any means," he said.

The 27-year-old Englishman should have been at a friend's wedding in Portugal when teed off on Saturday and had to change plans after taking the second-round lead.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page