England’s Simon P Brown retained a slim advantage midway through the final day at the Russian Open Golf Championship (Senior) but there were plenty of potential suitors lurking not far behind.
Brown, looking for a maiden Senior Tour win in his rookie season, birdied the long second to extend his overnight lead before a first bogey in 39 holes at the difficult third saw him briefly reined in.
Back to back gains from the sixth saw him regain the lead on 12 under par, however, to remain one shot clear of playing partner Miguel Angel Martin of Spain as the final group neared the turn at Moscow Country Club.
In more damp and breezy conditions on the outskirts of the Russian capital, 25-time Senior Tour champion Carl Mason was a further shot back as the day progressed after reaching the turn in just 32 blows for a share of third alongside Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie and Dane Steen Tinning.
Looking to equal Brian Barnes’ record for the quickest to win two Senior Tour events (four appearances) after his win at Woburn two weeks ago, Montgomerie made an ideal start with a pair of birdies to remain in contention on Sunday.
