Record start of Romain empire

Romain Langasque fired a course record 62 at the soon-to-be Ryder Cup venue – then admitted even he was shocked.

The 27-year-old heads into the final round of the Italian Open at Marco Simone, which will host September’s showdown, one shot off fellow French pro Julien Guerrier.

Langasque began the day seven shots off the pace but reeled off seven birdies in the first 15 holes to wipe out his deficit.

The best was yet to come as he drove the parfour 16th before tapping in his eagle putt to reach 11 under, the same mark as Pole Adrian Meronk.

Langasque said: “I did not expect nine under, I didn’t expect to shoot a very low score on this course because it’s quite a tough course.

“I am very happy about it. There are so many good guys out there, so it is going to be a big battle.”

Guerrier, aiming to win a first DP World Tour title, took the outright lead on 12 under with a birdie after getting up and down from a greenside bunker on 18.

Grant Forrest made it three 71s in a row to sit in a share of 37th on level par, while Richie Ramsay (70) is one shot worse off.

Scott Jamieson is two over following a 72.

Craig Howie needs to jump into the fast lane if he’s to capture a second Challenge Tour success at the UAE Challenge.

The Scot led by two going into his third round in Abu Dhabi but a levelpar 72 has left him fourth on nine under, five adrift of Spaniard Manuel Elvira.

Howie, targeting a final round of nine under, said: “I hit a lot of nice shots but my poor ones got punished.

“This is what happens around this course.”

Liam Johnston (71) shares 10th on six under.