IS MOLAS (Sardinia), Nov 3: Germany’s Sven Struver made a late bid to turn around a frustrating season when he took a one-shot lead after the third round of the Italian Open on Saturday.
A week after failing badly at American tour pre-qualifying school, the 34-year-old Hamburg professional lifted his spirits with a rousing eight-under-par 64.
His tournament total of 18-under-par 198 gave him a one-shot lead over rookie Frenchman Gregory Havret going into Sunday’s final round.
Overnight leader Havret fought his way back into the fray with three successive late birdies to card a 68 and edge a shot in front of Britain’s Bradley Dredge, who like Havret is looking for a first tour title.
Struver is looking for his fourth title three years after his last — the European Masters.
But remembering his maiden win in 1996 — when he came from seven strokes behind in the South African PGA Championship to beat double US Open champion Ernie Els — he knows there is no room for complacency.