Wattel snatches share of the lead

European Tour

Romain Wattel played his last four holes in four under to grab a share of the lead on the third day of the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco.

The Frenchman had an eventful day at Golf du Palais Royal, adding four birdies and three bogeys in his first 13 holes before finishing birdie, birdie, eagle, par for a five-under-par 67.

That lifted him into a share of the lead on seven under alongside two Scotsmen – Richie Ramsay and Andrew McArthur.

“It was a thrilling back nine,” said Wattel. “It is always nice to finish the round like that.

“I was two under quite quickly then I had a few mistakes. I had a good putt on 12 for bogey and that was the key today.

“After this putt I still have confidence even if it was only for bogey. You have to be patient here and on the good side every time.

“I’m desperate for a win. I can’t control what the other guys will shoot so I just concentrate on my own game. We will see tomorrow. When you start a tournament you want to win but all the guys want the same, you can only play your best.”

McArthur also had an eagle on the way to a 67 of his own, while Ramsay had a more sedate 71 that nevertheless saw him hold on to a share of top spot.

It’s still a very crowded leaderboard, however, with seven players lying just a shot back on six under, including Tshwane Open champion George Coetzee, who could secure a Masters berth with victory on Sunday.

Coetzee shot a 71 to share fourth place alongside Jaco van Zyl, David Horsey, Richard Bland, Emiliano Grillo, Kevin Phelan and Soren Kjeldsen.

Mikael Lundberg and Wade Ormsby follow on five under, two back, Spaniards Rafa Cabrera Bello and Pablo Larrazabal are among another large group on four under.

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