SLAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT
Lee turns on style to take the lead in Italy
Lee Slattery fired a stunning nine-under 62 to head into the Italian Open’s final round with a one-shot lead.
The Englishman fired eight birdies, an eagle and just a solitary bogey to propel himself 16 places up the leaderboard and into the driving seat.
The 39-year- old now sits 16 under, one ahead of last week’s BMW PGA Championship winner Francesco Molinari (66) and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen (65).
Overnight leader Martin Kaymer fai led to make an impact until late in his round, shooting 68 to reach 14 under.
Slattery was in f i ne form and responded to his one mistake at the 12th with three birdies. Another at the last lifted him to 16 under and ensured a one-shot lead.
The two- time Euro Tour winner said: “When you
Callum Robb
get in that zone you just keep making birdies. It’s a great feeling. I’ll just try to relax and enjoy it tomorrow.” Elsewhere former Masters champion Danny Wi l lett continued his return to form by posting a 67 to keep himself two shots off the lead. The Engl i shman, who remains hopeful of pinching the title, said: “It was a pretty good day. Scores were obviously low from a few of the guys that went out earlier and kind of evened out a little bit to where we were. So yeah, I’ll take it.” Molinari carded one bogey against six birdies and now wants to cap a stunning two week s wi th another trophy. He said: “It would be the most specia l c on s ide r i n g what I’ve done last week. We’re in for some fun tomorrow.”