Jaidee snatches European Open lead

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Thai veteran Thongchai Jaidee holds a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Porsche European Open.

The 45-year-old carded eight birdies and just one bogey to take his total to 13 under par at Bad Griesbach in Germany.

That was one shot clear of Swede Pelle Edberg and Englishmen Ross Fisher and Graeme Storm.

Fisher held the lead at 14 under par before bogeys at the 15th and 16th saw him drop back down.

“I felt like I played really well for 11 holes and had I under control,” Fisher told the European Tour.

“Then I had a loose tee shot on 12 and couldn’t go for it in two, but still had a chance for birdie and then 16 was a poor tee shot, and I was unlucky with the lie. That was the tough one missing the green from that distance – it was criminal. I shouldn’t be doing that. 

“It would mean a lot to win this trophy again. It’s great that the European Open is back on the schedule, Porsche is a great sponsor that have stepped up and there is so much history with the European Open. 

“I’m fortunate to have won it before, and I’ve given myself a chance to win it again.”

Edberg rose up the leaderboard with a best of the day 63, while Storm held a share of the lead before finding water with his final approach shot of the day. He managed to limit the damage by holing a 25-foot putt for bogey.

Leader Jaidee added four birdies prior to the turn and then bounced back from a bogey at the 10th with further gains at the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th.

“I played solid all three rounds but today I putted much better,” Jaidee told the European Tour.

“You have to have good tee shots here as the greens are tricky. I enjoy playing this course and my game is good right now. 

“I’m confident and I hit a lot of good shots. The course is not very long so being in position is important. 

“I’ve been confident with my irons and I’ve got a good score. Seven under is very good for me today – I’ve not had seven under for a long time. 

“Normally I’ve been about four under par, but the greens are soft and I can attack the pins here.”

South African Charl Schwartzel, who shared the lead overnight, dropped seven shots off the pace after a disappointing four-over-par 75.

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