Sweden’s Magnus P Atlevi shot a second consecutive round of 69 to take a share of the lead with Peter Fowler going into the final round of the WINSTONgolf Senior Open.
The Qualifying School graduate, who is playing in just his fourth event on the Senior Tour at WINSTONlinks, in Vorbeck, Germany, carded three birdies on the front nine and added one more after the turn to climb to six under par.
Were it not for missed birdie putts on the seventh and ninth holes, Atlevi would have claimed the outright lead from Australian Fowler, but the Swede was still delighted with his day’s work.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in front,” he said. “It’s tough to lead, but you know you’re on the right track. It’s great fun.
“This is my fourth event on the Senior Tour after eight years away from the sport. I’d much rather be in this position than be in last place.
“I had two excellent iron shots on seven and on nine, I almost nearly putted after those. But that’s the nature of the game.
“It’s gruelling because there is less pressure on the guys who are behind. They could go out and shoot 65, and the people in front can end up shooting 77.
“In this position, I wish I was in the Wimbledon final instead. If I messed up, I would finish second. But if you mess up here, you can finish 30th.
“But that’s golf. You have to do what you do and believe in yourself. If you make mistakes, you shake it off and get on with it.
“I’m striking the ball well and scoring well, and I’m all set for tomorrow.
Atlevi was joined at the top of the leaderboard by Fowler after the 2011 Senior Tour Order of Merit winner shot a two under par 70.
One shot behind are Scotland’s Andrew Oldcorn – who came home in 32 thanks to four birdies, including three in a row from the 13th hole – and Englishman Phil Golding, who shot a round of 71.
“It’s a challenging golf course,” said Oldcorn. “But we’re getting used to it and getting a feel for it. It’s nice to get back into the mix again.
“I’ve played well to get in this position, but I’m wise enough to know there are a lot of decent players around who can shoot a decent number.”
Home favourite and ten-time Ryder Cup player Bernhard Langer is a further shot behind in fifth place on four under par.
Langer has not won on home soil since 2001, but the two-time Masters Tournament champion says he needs no extra motivation to win.
“I played very nicely today,” said Langer. “My whole game was good, I just didn’t make a lot of putts. I made two bogeys, otherwise it was pretty flawless and could have easily been five or six under.
“I’m only two behind and I can still make that up tomorrow with a good round.
“It doesn’t matter how long it has been since I won at home. Whenever I tee it up, I like to win. Obviously, winning at home is even more special but I don’t need any extra motivation, it’s already there.”
