18 April 2005	Monday	08 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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CADIZ (Spain), April 17: Swedens Peter Hanson stayed on course for his maiden European Tour title after retaining his lead after another gusty day at the Spanish Open in Andalucia here on Saturday. Hanson, who began the day with a one-stroke lead following a massive putt on Friday, carded a one-under-par 71 and now has a two-stroke lead over South African Hennie Otto going into Sunday’s final round.

Otto carded a respectable third round 69 as many players struggled with the playing conditions.

Hanson started off in great form, increasing his lead to five on the front nine. For playing partner and compatriot Peter Gustafsson it was not so good and he finished the day in a three-way tie for fifth place after carding a 75.

Tied for third place along with Scotland’s Paul Lawrie is Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara, who gave the home fans a treat with a four under par 68 - which equalled the low score of the week and puts him in contention to win his national title.

Leading third round scores:

209 — Peter Hanson (SWE) 70, 68, 71.

211 — Hennie Otto (RSA) 71, 71, 69.

213 — Jose Manuel Lara (ESP) 73, 72, 68; Paul Lawrie (SCO) 72, 72, 69.

214 — Peter Gustafsson (SWE) 70, 69, 75; Peter Lawrie (IRL) 71, 70, 73; Robert Karlsson (SWE) 72, 71, 71.

215 — Miguel Angel Martin (ESP) 71, 72, 72; Sebastian Fernandez (ARG) 73, 72, 70; Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 73, 68, 74.

216 — Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 74, 68, 74; Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 72, 76, 68; David Gilford (ENG) 75, 71, 70; Damien McGrane (IRL) 73, 74, 69; Jose-Filipe Lima (POR) 73, 71, 73.

217 — Adam Mednick (SWE) 72, 74, 71; David Park (WAL) 72, 72, 73.

218 — Marcel Siem (GER) 73, 75, 70; Simon Khan (ENG) 73, 73, 72; Alfredo Garcia (ESP) 75, 72, 71; David Griffiths (ENG) 77, 68, 73; Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 73, 70, 75.

LONARD LEADS

HILTON HEAD ISLAND (South Carolina): Darren Clarke’s six-shot lead evaporated as Australian Peter Lonard seized control of The Heritage in the third round on Saturday.

Clarke, who had built a commanding lead in the 4.5 million-dollar event with two straight 65s, stumbled with a two-over 73, and Lonard lost no time in taking advantage.

The 37-year-old Australian posted a five-under 66 to claim the lead on 202.

Leading third round:

202 — Peter Lonard (AUS) 62, 74, 66.

203 — Darren Clarke (NIR) 65, 65,73.

207 — Rod Pampling (AUS) 70, 69, 68.

208 — Davis Love 69, 70, 69.

209 — Loren Roberts 71, 70, 68; Jose Maria Olazabal (ESP) 69, 71, 69; Stephen Ames (CAN) 71, 69, 69.

210 — Joey Snyder 74, 67, 69; Bart Bryant 72, 68, 70; Jimmy Walker 68, 71, 71; Jim Furyk 71, 68, 71.

211 — Billy Andrade 72, 69, 70; Matt Kuchar 72, 68, 71; Thomas Levet (FRA) 64, 74, 73.

212 — Brandt Jobe 69, 73, 70; Michael Allen 71, 70, 71; Nick Price (ZIM) 69, 71, 72; Nick O’Hern (AUS) 68, 71, 73.

213 — Scott Verplank 73, 70, 70; Pat Perez 72, 70, 71.—AFP