Gros’s nine birdies put him well in contention

EUROPEAN Tour rookie Sebastien Gros made nine birdies in a sparkling 63 to surge into contention after the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the Leopard Creek Country Club in Malelane yesterday.

The Frenchman was one under after opening rounds of 71 and 72 but struck form with a bogey-free day to finish in joint second on the leaderboard at 10-under par, three shots behind home favourite Charl Schwartzel.

Gros was level with compatriot Benjamin Hebert, who had a mixed day as he carded a 68.

Gros, 26, playing just his second European Tour event after finishing second on the Challenge Tour last season, hit the low round of the week and missed a putt on the last for a 10-under-par 62.

“That was the first time in my life that I had a 10-under putt,” Gros, whose only other tour appearance was a tied 52nd at the Madeira Islands Open, in August, said. “I’m very pleased with what happened today [yesterday].

“I’m very pleased because even if I had a great season on the Challenge Tour, you never know how you compare to the top players in Europe or SA.”

Schwartzel, a three-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, led by five shots going into yesterday’s round but lost his fluency of the opening two days and could only muster a twounder-par 70, including three birdies and a bogey.

SA’s Dylan Frittelli carded a 66 and was alone in fourth on eight-under par, five shots behind Schwartzel.

Meanwhile, six times Major winner Nick Faldo believes there could be as many as six rookies in the side when Europe attempt to retain the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, Minnesota, the US, next year.

The visitors will be trying to win the biennial team event for the fourth straight edition.

“I think America could be the favourites this time because the backbone of their team will be similar to the last one,” 58-year-old Faldo said in an interview. —