Rhys Davies kept his four-stroke advantage intact heading into the final round of the Fred Olsen Open de España as he chases a second Challenge Tour title of the season.
The Welshman birdied the last for a 67 and 19 under par score to keep clear water between himself and his closest challenger, Charles-Edouard Russo.
The 30 year old captured the Turkish Airlines Challenge in May and is well placed to add to that victory at Tecina Golf on the holiday island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
“I’ve always said I play professional golf to try and win tournaments,” said Davies.
“It’s almost irrelevant what tour that is on. That’s what I want to do and it’s exciting to play with nine holes to go and trying to win.
I’ve now got a good chance to do that tomorrow and I’m looking forward to the challenge - Davies
While not concerned as his playing partners chipped away at his lead over the first few holes, Davies admitted the eagle on seven settled him down after he hit a two iron 235 yards with a cross wind to eight feet, a shot he described as “the best all day.”
“From there I played nicely without peppering the flag,” he added. “And it was nice to birdie the last as that gave me a little more breathing space.”
Davies has been working hard on his game, focusing on his long game in particular, and is starting to reap the rewards with his win earlier in the season and strong performance this week.
“To work hard and see good things happening is very encouraging,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll continue that trend.”
Russo picked up three shots on the back nine for a 66 to lie four behind with American Brinson Paolini a further shot back after a 64 and Australian Geoffrey Drakeford advancing with a best of the day 62 to be six back alongside Antonio Hortal, the leading Spaniard.
