Al Hamra’s Ross McGowan and Laurie Canter will carry a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Italian Open after an enthralling moving day battle between the English playing partners at Chervò Golf Club.
Canter entered the weekend with a two-shot advantage, having opened his account at the Brescia venue with a stunning first round 60, but he could not build any momentum in the opening exchanges on day three.
A trio of successive birdies in the final three holes, however, meant his name remained at the summit as the 30-year-old signed for a three under 69 and a 19 under total to continue his hunt for a wire-to-wire victory and a maiden European Tour title in his 86th appearance.
For McGowan, a win would complete an remarkable return to the kind of form which earned him a maiden European Tour title at the Madrid Masters back in 2009, en route to a 12th place finish in the Race to Dubai.
After a topsy-turvy front nine which included two birdies, an eagle and three bogeys, the 38-year-old steadied the ship and four birdies on the way home – including three in the final four holes – earned him a five under 67 and a share of the lead heading into the final day.
“I’m pretty comfortable right now,” said McGowan. “Not exactly sure where the driver is going but around the greens and on the greens I’ve been very comfortable.
“A win would probably change the outlook for the rest of the year, next year and hopefully for the next few years after that. I’m not getting any younger so it would be quite handy to win one nice and early.”
Big-hitting South African Dean Burmester was the closest challenger on 16 under par, while former Ryder Cup star
