Englishman Walker hopes to show

SAM WALKER will take a oneshot lead into today’s final round of the Vierumaki Finnish Challenge after battling the conditions to shoot a thirdround 69 at Vierumaki Resort and reach 11-under-par overall.

The Englishman made five birdies on his way to a third straight round in the 60s to move ahead of Romain Langasque and Niklas Lemke, who both sit on 10-under.

Walker, a three-time winner on the European Challenge Tour, credited his perseverance in the wet and windy Finnish conditions as the key to his rise to the top of the leaderboard.

“It was a good round,” said the 38-year-old. “I just stuck in there more than anything, and holed some crucial putts on the front nine to keep the momentum going – those six footers on these greens are crucial.

“I made the most of the birdie chances when I got it close, but I’ve been pleased with everything in my game – staying calm, keeping the clubs dry, just trying to hit as many good shots as possible.

“Experience might help me,