Former winner Mikael Lundberg of Sweden shot a four-under-par 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Britain’s Jamie Moul after the third round of the Russian Open on Saturday.
After a slow start with two bogeys on the first seven holes, Lundberg picked up the pace on the back nine as he eagled the par-five 15th hole to finish on 199 after three rounds.
The Swede, who won his maiden European Tour title here three years ago, was disappointed with his play on Saturday despite despite almost perfect conditions for the third day in a row.
“I’ve got worse throughout the week,” said the 34-year-old from Helsingborg, who described the Moscow Country Club course, about 15 km north-west of Moscow, as “just for me” on Friday.
“The first round I played really well, yesterday not that well but made a great score and then today I played not as good at all but… I managed to get it to four under, I don’t know how,” added Lundberg who said the eagle saved his day.
Moul, the former amateur world number one, had a flawless round with eight birdies for an eight-under-par 64 to move into second place with a total of 16-under 200.
“My short game got me round today,” said the 23-year-old, who played on Britain & Ireland’s Walker Cup last year.
“I missed a few shots but the putter got me out of trouble a few times and I made a few nice birdies.”
Fellow Englishman Benn Barham eagled the par-five second hole and shot five birdies for a share of third place with South African Michiel Bothma on 14-under 202.
“I’ve been playing solidly all week and it’s nice to get up there on the leaderboard,” said 32-year-old Barham, looking for his maiden tour title.
Sweden’s former Ryder Cup player Jarmo Sandelin, who was tied for first place with Lundberg after two rounds, had a mixed round with two birdies and two bogeys.
He has dropped into a three-way tie for fifth place at four strokes off the lead with Britain’s Robert Rock and South African Darren Fichardt.
Another Swede and last year’s winner Per-Ulrik Johansson was tied for 21st place at eight-under 208.
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