David J Russell extended his advantage at the top of the leaderboard in The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship, reaching the turn in his third round in two under par 34.
The Englishman, who started the day with a two stroke lead over Chris Williams and Angel Franco, negotiated the front nine dropping only one shot when he missed a four foot par putt on the ninth hole, as he moved four shots clear of the chasing pack.
Indeed, Russell has only made three bogeys in his opening 45 holes, despite the demands of the tricky Hunting Course at De Vere Slaley Hall.
He birdied the third, fourth and eighth holes, before his bogey on the ninth, to move to eight under par for the Championship as he seeks his first European Senior Tour title, having finished runner up on nine occasions.
The 56 year old established a four stroke lead over South African Williams who birdied the second and fourth holes but dropped a shot on the seventh and, like Russell, the ninth.
Irishman Des Smyth, who was one of Ian Woosnam’s Assistant Captains alongside Russell in The 2006 Ryder Cup, was also four under par for the Championship at the turn having posted two birdies and seven pars on the front nine.
Woosnam was level for his opening nine holes to remain at one under par for the Championship, seven shots behind his friend Russell.
