Katsuyoshi
Tomori stepped up his bid to become the first Japanese winner on the European
Tour for 16 years and only the second ever when he shot a 66 for the clubhouse
lead in the Sarazen World Open on Saturday.
The 44-year-old Tomori led with an 11-under-par total of 205, with 24 players
still to complete the third round when fading light forced the suspension of play.
Among those to finish early
on Sunday are England's Peter Mitchell, who was 11 under with three to play, and
Thomas Bjorn and Emanuele Canonica, who had four holes to complete.
However, Tomori set the pace thanks to a holed second shot from 130 yards with
a nine iron. That eagle -- one of three twos in his round -- gave him the initiative.
Now Tomori aims to emulate
compatriot Isao Aoki, who won the World MatchPlay in 1978, then added the 1983
European Open at Sunningdale, England, to become the first winner of a 72-hole
stroke-play tournament on the Tour.
"I
putted very, very well today. That was the key. Now I want to follow Isao," Tomori
said.
Domingo Hospital of
Spain, playing with Tomori, clearly caught the mood for holing full-blooded shots.
His three iron at the 10th
popped into the hole for an eagle two on his way to a 67. He is one shot behind
Tomori on 206.
Another Spaniard,
Francisco Cea, carded a 69 before the light faded to make his challenge on 207,
nine under par.
