Jon Rahm fired a brilliant six-under-par 65 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Spanish Open, as he closes in on a third title in his home tournament.
The former world No 1 carded six birdies in a bogey-free day, edging one stroke clear of playing partner Min Woo Lee of Australia.
The duo both birdied the par-four 18th hole, with Rahm driving the green.
Rahm is hoping to become the first three-time winner of the Spanish Open since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago.
He is 16 under for the tournament this week.
“I wish most of my rounds could be as organised as this one,” said Rahm. “Hopefully, I can play another round like that tomorrow.”
Rahm will play alongside Lee for the fourth straight round as they go head to head for the title.
“It’s easy to feed off each other,” added Rahm. “You know every time one of us is in the fairway there’s going to be a birdie look. You know birdies are coming.”
A group of six players is three shots off the pace in a tie for third on 13 under, including South Africa’s Louis de Jager, who shot an excellent third-round 65.
Zander Lombard is also still in contention on 12 under after carding 66 on Saturday, while Hennie du Plessis is on 10 under after a disappointing 72.
© Agence France-Presse
