Levy leads by four strokes at fog-hit European Open

BAD GRIESBACH (Germany): France’s Alexander Levy (pic) closed in on a third career European Tour triumph when he stormed to a four-shot lead at the fog-hit European Open.

After being badly affected by the weather on Thursday and Friday when seven hours were lost, the tournament suffered three more hours of delays on Saturday, forcing organisers to declare a 54-hole event.

Levy, who won two titles in 2014, came into Saturday with just one hole of his delayed second round to complete.

He made par on the ninth to stay at 17-under.

Ross Fisher made a birdie on the seventh in his final three holes to cut the Frenchman’s overnight lead to five shots but it was Swede Michael Jonzon who surged through the field, shooting a 63 to get to 13-under.

Jonzon only found out he was playing on Wednesday afternoon after being fourth reserve for the event, but he will now have the chance to win his third European Tour title, 19 years after claiming his first at the Portuguese Masters.

“I always said I function well under these circumstances,” said 44-year-old Jonzon.

“I struggle more just trying to make cuts because I can put a lot of pressure on myself. I know what I can do and sometimes I try too much.

“I’ve been there before. I’m just going to go out tomorrow and try to shoot as good as I can, whatever happens after that is not in my control.” — AFP