Connor’s teeing up big finish

Connor Syme admitted maintaining the magic is a must if his title wait is to end after having a putt for blistering backto-back 61s in Gran Canaria.

The 25-year-old Scot will tee up in the final round of the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open today two shots behind South African Garrick Higgo.

Syme had an eagle putt on the par-five 18th to match his career-low round of 61 just 24 hours earlier but had to settle for a birdie and an eight-under 62.

That gain was his 14th birdie in two days around the Meloneras course, with two eagles and just one shot dropped in 36 holes.

Twice last year Syme was on the cusp of a maiden European Tour win, leading the Celtic Classic and Wales Open in back-to-back weeks after 54 holes only to finish tied third and eighth respectively.

Syme, one over on day one, said: “I’m delighted to back up Friday’s 61 with a 62 as I have been playing very well of late.

“To back it up with another low score was amazing.

“The goal now, with a round to play, is to continue going low as I have these last two days.

“I was chatting on Friday with my caddie and to be eight under after two rounds was OK considering.

“But it was one extreme to the other in terms of my scores.

“I guess the golf ball doesn’t know how much you are under par on a given day and to be 16 under, I am obviously in a good position. It gives me a chance.”

Frenchman Matthieu Pavon (64) and Austrian Matthias Schwab (66) join Syme, who holed his second shot for an eagle at the 10th, on 16 under.

Richie Ramsay carded a

66 to be next best Scot on 11 under, one clear of Calum Hill (66) and Scott Jamieson (68).