Zand beats brain burp to keep lead
ZANDER LOMBARD recovered from a “brain burp” and throwing away a three-shot lead to stay in pole position for his first European Tour title in the Lyoness Open.
The South African surged clear of the field with four birdies in the first seven holes at Diamond Country Club, only to lose a ball with a wild drive on the ninth and run up a triple bogey.
China’s Wu Ashun took advantage to move into the outright lead with three birdies in five holes from the 10th on his way to a flawless 65 – but Lombard roared back to reclaim top spot.
Birdies on the 11th, 14th and 17th saw the world No.296 complete a 68 to finish 11 under par and a shot ahead of Wu, with Spain’s Adrian Otaegui and France’s Gregory Bourdy another shot back. “I’m very pleased, I No more feeling self-cons scious, look slimmer, trimmer and d leaner - you’ll see instant results ! The super-slimming secre et is its specially-designed 360 de egree Tone Technology compres ssion panels Perfect for men who don’tt have time to go to the gym The premium stretchable fabric fits firmly and comfortably under your clothes – ideal for work or play! struck the ball phenomenally, left myself a lot of opportunities and made the best of them,” Lombard said.
“It was a bit of a brain burp at the ninth because it was never a driver for me all week – my play there was a two-iron – but my confidence got to me and I just wanted to hit a little cut off the left bunker and I came out of it a little. “I kept my cool after the triple and to finish with three birdies on the back nine, I’m very pleased with the round.” Bourdy shared the halfway lead with Lombard and recovered from two double bogeys in the first eight holes to play the last seven holes in three under and remain in contention for a fifth European Tour title. Former champion Joost Luiten and England’s Richard McEvoy are a shot further back on eight under, with Luiten needing to finish third or better to move into the world’s top 60 and qualify for this week’s US Open. Legends Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus all conquered the 7,219-yard par-70 Pittsburgh course. While Johnny Miller hit a sublime 63 to win there in 1973 and South African Ernie Els won the first of his four Majors in a US Open play-off in 1994. From Thursday, the Northern Irishman, 27, must master the course’s narrow fairways, sloping greens and tough bunkers if he is to add his name to that list. “Oakmont looks like an awesome golf course,” said the world No.3, who ended a six-month victory drought with an Irish Open triumph last month. “It’s going to be tough. It looks unbelievably hard and it will reward very good ball-striking. “I remember seeing a bit of it in 2007 when Angel Cabrera won. I would say that you are probably going to