European’s Master Huntingdale

Justin Rose describes his two iron, second shot into the par five, 14th as the shot of the year. He promptly eagled the hole, and his game went from strength to strength. He finished the third day 13 under for the tournament, two shots ahead of Raphael Jacquelin.

Utilising the cool and calm conditions, Frenchman Jacquelin, looking for his second European Tour title to add to his maiden success in the 2005 Open de Madrid, signed for a 67.

Paul Casey, who admitted his original idea of coming to Australia was to help him wind down after a hectic season, had a roller coaster ride after opening his third round with a birdie. He bogeyed the short par four second and the tough par three fifth but he bounced back by eagling the sixth when he knocked a three iron to 12 feet, before birdies at the ninth, tenth and 11th moved him into striking distance of the lead. He then birdied the 13th and 14th but a late bogey at the 17th when a poor swing on his approach shot resulted in his ball winding up in a devilish green side trap, checked his charge.

Spain’s Carl Suneson shot 69. Last week he was battling the six rounds at San Roque to regain his playing privileges at the Qualifying School Final Stage.