Hanson grabs the lead in Morocco
England's Chris Hanson will take a narrow one-shot lead into Sunday's final round of the Trophee Hassan II.
The Challenge Tour graduate shot the joint lowest round of the day – a five-under-par 67 – at the challenging Royal Golf Dar Es Salam lay-out in Rabat.
Hanson, ranked just 640th in the world, made the turn in two under after birdies at the first and seventh, before adding another at the 10th.
Then came the highlight of his round – a superb eagle on the long 12th – allowing him to snatch the outright lead on six under.
The 30-year-old made two more birdies after that but they were offset by two bogeys – though that was still good enough for a one-shot lead at the end of the day.
“It’s not something I thought I was going to go out there and shoot today but I played some really nice stuff and took my chances when I got them,” said Hanson.
“I felt I got rewarded for some good golf today.
“It was a little bit of a lucky chip – it hit the flag and dropped – but you need those sort of things and hopefully it will set me up for a nice Sunday.
“I drove the ball really nicely and kept myself in play a lot of the time. From there you can score on this golf course.
Hanson's fellow Englishman David Dixon lies a shot behind alongside Frenchman Clement Berardo after matching the leader's round with seven birdies and two bogeys.
Joshua White, also from England, lies alone in fourth place a further shot back, followed by South Korean Jeugnhun Wang on three under.
A further seven players are tied for sixth on two under, including overnight leader Francesco Laporta, Jason Scrivener, Robert Rock and Nacho Elvira.
Latest
-
PGA TourCollin Morikawa throws away big lead as Viktor Hovland wins Hero World Challenge
Hovland began the day six shots off the pace but carded a closing 66 at Albany to secure his third title of the season.
-
NewsRory McIlroy: Players want to know where they stand amid golf’s power struggle
The Northern Irishman was speaking ahead of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
-
NewsTiger Woods says he is ‘lucky to be alive’ after crash but has ‘long way to go’
The 45-year-old 15-time major winner was in pain throughout as he addressed his first press conference since February’s crash.
-
NewsTiger Woods rules out full-time return to golf after serious car crash
The 45-year-old required surgery on open fractures to his lower right leg after the single-vehicle accident in February.
-
The MastersLee Elder, the first black player to compete in the Masters, dies aged 87
Elder joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter at Augusta National just over seven months ago.
-
Solheim CupSuzann Pettersen lands ‘dream’ job as Solheim Cup captain
The Norwegian will be going for a hat-trick of Europe wins after taking over from Catriona Matthew.
-
Ryder CupLee Westwood rules himself out of contention for 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy
Westwood says he cannot commit fully to the role while he is still competitive as a player.
-
European TourCollin Morikawa wins Race to Dubai as Rory McIlroy’s frustrations boil over
The Northern Irishman appeared to rip his shirt open in the recording area behind the 18th green.
-
NewsTiger Woods shares footage of him hitting balls as rehab continues
Woods was injured in a car accident in February.
-
