Part-timer Hansen grabs share of lead

VILAMOURA ( Portugal): Semiretired Danish veteran Anders Hansen (pic) reeled off a late flurry of birdies to grab a share of the lead going into the final round of the Portugal Masters.

Hansen, who announced his retirement at last year’s event in Vilamoura, sank six of his nine birdies after the turn in a nine-under round of 62 on Saturday to ignite hopes of a fourth European Tour title.

The 46-year-old is back playing on a part-time basis, with this his fifth tournament of the year, and is level with Finland’s Mikko Korhonen at the top of the leaderboard on 18-under overall.

“I didn’t really have a strategy,” Hansen said.

“Just go out and play and just try to enjoy it and hit good shots and it turned out all right.

“It probably helps a little bit because it doesn’t really matter to me either way, it is what it is. I’m not going to come back and play full-time, that decision has been made so I’m just enjoying being here.”

Korhonen made eight birdies in a round of 64 to boost his chances of retaining his Tour card for next season, while two-time former Major winner Padraig Harrington leads the chasing pack.

The Irishman is one stroke behind the lead duo, with defending champion Andy Sullivan, Paul Lawrie and Chris Paisley all two shots off the pace. — AFP