Justin Harding and Renato Paratore. Pic: Getty Images
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, July 25: South African Justin Harding was chasing Italian Renato Paratore hard as they headed into the final round one shot apart at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood. Paratore stayed bogey free through 54 holes and carded 66 to get to 16-under after the third round, as Harding (66) was 15-under.
Dane Rasmus Højgaard, who also got round in five under 66 and is at 14-under in third place.
The Italian entered day three at Close House Golf Club with a one shot lead and while he had company at the top of the leader board throughout the day, a closing birdie handed him a 66 and a 16 under par total.
Paratore, who at 23 has played 158 European Tour events before this week, is seeking a second win after claiming his maiden victory in Sweden three years ago.
Harding is searching for his second European Tour title, while Højgaard is also seeking his second Tour win, his first being the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
England’s Dale Whitnell was at 13 under, a shot clear of countrymen Ashley Chesters and Sam Horsfield – who carded the lowest round of the week with a 61.
Paratore said, “I played really solid these three days, especially the short game which has helped me save some shots when I needed them, so I’m happy with that. Fortunately, I live in Dubai with my friend who is also on the European Tour and we played a lot of competitive rounds with each other after lockdown. I think this helped me to stay competitive.”
“I played solid from tee to green and some putts helped me to keep things consistent, so I think everything has helped me throughout these rounds. I am just really happy, we practice to be in contention so I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
Solid Harding in hot chase
Harding said, “I was solid from tee to green today. I didn’t make too many mistakes. I had a little hiccup on the second which was naughty, and if a couple of putts could have dropped on the back nine it could have been a good one but at the end of the day it was all about putting yourself in position for tomorrow and I feel like I’ve done that.
“There are a couple of holes which don’t just suit my eye and I think I played them a little bit more conservatively that a couple of the others but it’s just one of those golf courses where you feel like you should be shooting the lights out and sometimes it just doesn’t quite work out that way.
“I wasn’t trying to go out and shoot an eight or nine under par like Horsfield (61), but obviously to shoot the score that he shot, you kind of felt like there was something out there. It played a bit trickier on the back nine but I feel strong and the scores are good.
“I have put a lot of hard work in in the last few months and it feels like the game is there or thereabouts. I have put a good set of clubs together which are all pretty new. I felt like I’ve managed my game and I’m mentally sound, so I’m hoping for a good final day and we’ll see what happens.”
Three eagles in third round by Horsfield, who cards 61
Sam Horsfield shot a stunning 10-under 61 that included three eagles and he is 12-under for the week after 70-70 in the first rounds.
“Never (carded three eagles) in a tournament. The first one I hit a six iron to 35 feet, made that one, then on ten I hit a five wood to two feet for another two. Number three was a little unexpected, I had 50 feet up a ridge and it went in, so I’m not complaining,” said Horsfield.
“I actually never thought about it (potential 59) until walking up the 18th fairway. I missed a couple of putts on 13 and 14 from 12, 15 feet and I said to my caddie walking up 18 “I may as well hole it and try to shoot 59”. I didn’t do that but I had it going today, which was nice.”
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Paratore grabs halfway lead at British Masters; Harding in hot chase
