Casey inspired by idol Lee

PAUL CASEY says he’s taking inspira- tion from veteran Lee Westwood as he aims to show golf’s young guns he’s far from finished after hitting the front in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Casey, 43, carded a bogey-free 64 on day three to get to 15 under par and sit a shot ahead of Robert MacIntyre. And he reckons watching 47-year-old Westwood win last year’s Race to Dubai has given him a lift.

‘Every year, the young guys come up longer and stronger and they putt it better,’ said Casey. ‘There’s no question that I’m lucky that my physical attributes have allowed me to maybe give me another five years. Westy is the inspiration.’

MacIntyre, 24, birdied the second and eagled the third, but then surrendered all his progress. However, he made further gains at the 10th, 13th and 17th to sign for a 67.

South African Brandon Stone was at 13 under, three shots clear of Spanish great Sergio Garcia and England’s Laurie Canter.