You are in > manchester.com  > News > Brier leads China Open after strong finish

Golf

Brier leads China Open after strong finish

14/04/2007

Austria's Markus Brier leads the China Open by one shot heading into the final day after carding a four-under-par third round to head the field on six-under.

It was a perfect finish that helped Brier move into contention as he birdied the last three holes to shoot up the leaderboard right at the end of day three.

The 38-year-old made three bogeys and seven birdies in a fluctuating round of 67 as he looks for his first tour win outside his homeland.

He said: "I'm very pleased with that. I didn't hit many bad shots. A few drives were off line but I hit good iron shots and putted well. My putting made the difference between a good round and a very good round.

"A win here would be very, very nice and would be my first win abroad. I won twice on the challenge tour at home, last year at home, so I am still going for my first win abroad."

Australia's Scott Hend is in second place after a round of one-under maintained his position near the top of the leaderboard though it was an inconsistent effort that included five birdies and four bogeys.

Andrew McLardy was the day's biggest mover. He began in fourteenth place and despite bogeying the first hole as he has all week the South African went on to card a round of four-under and claim third spot.

Overnight leader Raphael Jacquelin slumped to a four-over-par third round that leaves him in a tie for fourth place at three-under for the tournament. He is joined by Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and South Africa's Richard Sterne.

© Adfero Ltd