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South African Otto leads Italian Open after third round

10/05/2008

South African Hennie Otto will go into the final round of the Italian Open with a four shot lead after he carded a third round nine-under-par 63.

Otto, who finished the day on 22-under-par, hit a remarkable 11 birdies in the round which was only spoiled by two bogeys. The 31-year-old finished the round with three consecutive birdies, including a monster 25 feet birdie on the 18th hole.

"I played very well today, very well indeed," said Otto, who is looking to win his first European Tour title.

"I put the ball close to the pins with my irons today and gave myself a lot of chances. I made a few more putts than earlier in the week, which is probably why I am where I am.

"I'll just plan to take tomorrow as another day. Whoever plays the best golf will win the tournament, it is as simple as that. I'll just try and play the same way as I did today," added Otto.

Sweden's Robert Karlsson is in second place on 18-under-par, he hit a third round three-under-par 69, which didn't quite have the fireworks of his second round when he broke the course record with a superb round of 61.

Karlsson is joined at 18-under by his compatriot Christian Nilsson and Spaniard Alvaro Velasco.

English pair Phillip Archer and Ross McGowan finished the third round on 17-under and will have hopes of mounting a challenge for the title tomorrow.