Fitzpatrick in total control

Young Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick will take a formidable five-shot lead into the final round of the Nordea Masters in Stockholm.
The 21-year-old started the day three shots in front but briefly found himself trailing by one after Nicolas Colsaerts made a significant charge.
Fitzpatrick produced a high-quality performance on the back nine, however, making five birdies in seven holes to close with a four-under-par 68 and a 15 under par total.
That was good enough for a five-shot lead over Colsaerts, who ultimately had to settle for a 70 after a disappointing run home, and local favourite Alex Noren, who had a 67.
Denmark's Lasse Jensen lies on nine under after a 66, six back, while the likes of Andrew Johnston and Alvaro Quiros have a lot of work to do on seven under, eight shots adrift.
"I'm obviously delighted," said Fitzpatrick. "It was a bit of a slow start, and I find the front nine more difficult than the back nine, especially in the wind.
"But I stayed patient and got my rewards in the end. It's one of the things I've learned since turning pro.
"The greens are pristine and the way I've putted on them, it won't surprise you to learn I'm a big fan of them. I wish we could putt on them every week."
Fitpatrick appeared to be treading water on the front nine at first, making seven pars before a bogey at eight briefly saw Colsaerts grab the lead.
A birdie on the ninth would follow, however, and there was a two-shot swing between him and Colsaerts when he also birdied the 10th.
That restored Fitzpatrick's lead, and a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th saw the youngster assume total control.
Colsaerts, meanwhile, found water on the 13th, leading to a bogey that only strengthened Fitzpatrick's position.
The round of the day belonged to Jensen, who birdied third, ninth, 13th, 14th, 15th and last in a blemish-free performance.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.