China Open: Matt Wallace stays in hunt for title, Alex Levy slips

BEIJING :England’s Matt Wallace and Adrian Otaegui of Spain share the lead going into the final round of the $3.2 million China Open on Sunday but with the chasing pack stalking them.

The duo were at 12 under after Saturday’s third round with the triple threat of Sweden’s Alexander Bjork, Julien Guerrier of France and Spain’s Jorge Campillo all a shot behind. On 10 under were six players, ensuring Sunday’s finale looks set to go right to the wire.

The reigning champion Alex Levy of France was in a share of 12th, three shots off the leaders at Topwin Golf and Country Club in Beijing.

“I’m playing really nicely, I’m hitting it long and straight and if I do that tomorrow I’ll have a few chances at birdie,” Wallace, the overnight leader who is chasing a third European Tour victory, told europeantour.com.

“We’re tied for the lead so I’m pretty happy,” added Wallace, following his three-under-par 69.

Otaegui, who surged into a share of the lead with a bogeyfree 67 that included five birdies on the trot, added: “I played well from the beginning to the end.

“I made a couple of mistakes but was able to make pars. That five birdies in a row helped me a lot.

“I think I have been very consistent all week, I am striking the ball well and feeling well so I am happy with that.”