England’s Tom Whitehouse moved into a two shot lead at the Côtes d’Armor Open Bretagne midway through his third round at Golf Blue Green Pléneuf Val-André.
Whitehouse overhauled overnight leader Raymond Russell after reaching four under for the round after 12 holes and nine under overall with back to back birdies at the 11th and 12th holes. Russell, who came fourth in the 1998 Open Championship, dropped a shot at the par three eighth to reach the turn in one over par.
He was level at seven under for the tournament with Englishman Lloyd Kennedy, who was two under at the turn, while Sam Walker bogeyed the ninth to slip back to six under, reaching the halfway stage in one over par.
Another Englishman, Andrew Willey, put himself in contention with a five under par 65 taking him to six under overall. “That was the best I’ve played all week,” said Willey, who carded seven birdies. “Both the bogeys I had were three putts which were a bit silly but apart from that I’m very happy.
“It’s much windier today and the conditions are tough so I’m pleased. I’ve got myself up near the top of the leaderboard and I wouldn’t expect the leading score to change too much as the day goes on.
“The highlight of the round was probably the second. I hit a rescue club from 213 yards 15 feet and then holed the putt.”
Willey’s English compatriot Daniel Brooks, one under for the day after 12 holes, was another player at six under.
