Syme will hope to get it done at

Germany’s Sophia Popov leads the way at Royal Troon

Connor Syme made a birdie on the last yesterday to get back into a share of the lead heading into today’s final round of the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

The Scot has now held the lead – or a share of the lead – in four of his last five rounds.

However, crucially, he did not when the trophy was given out at last week’s Celtic Classic, finishing in a tie for third.

But he will have another chance to claim a first win on a top-tier circuit after his 18-foot putt on the par-five 18th handed him a third-round 70 and moved him alongside Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg at seven-under-par.

The European Tour is playing the second of back-to-back events at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue and Syme is delighted to be in contention again in windy South Wales.

“Finding myself in the same position as last week, I’ll just try to do the same stuff I’ve been doing all week,” said the Drumoig man.

“I don’t think it’s going to be quite as windy tomorrow, but it’s a different challenge with that compared to last week. Pars will probably be more your friend than birdies whereas last week you felt you had to attack a little bit more.

“It’ll be the same game plan as last week and try give myself a chance coming down the back nine.

“It would be amazing to win, having come close last week. You don’t really know how many times you’ll get those opportunities so it’s another one tomorrow.

“If it doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world, but hopefully I’m going to play well tomorrow and give myself a chance.”

Soderberg defeated Rory Mcilroy as part of a five-man play-off to win last season’s Omega European Masters and he fired a bogey-free 68 to give himself a chance of a second victory inside 12 months.

“It feels great to be in position, I just try to stay patient,” said the Swede.