Jarmo Sandelin three-putted twice in the last six holes to drop back into a two-way tie for the lead after three rounds of the German Open at Sporting Club Berlin.
The tall Swede was joined at the top on 206, 10 under par, by South African Retief Goosen, who compiled a splendid blemish-free 68 in incessant rain to set up the opportunity to return to the top of the Volvo Order of Merit.
Both players are chasing their second titles of the season, but victory would allow the ultra-consistent to overhaul Colin Montgomerie at the top of the table.
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Of the leaders, only Goosen expressed scant concern about the shocking wet and miserable weather. He insisted: “The rain was only irritating. It was a case of staying dry, keeping focussed and concentrating on every shot.”
He added: “I am playing well. I know I can go back to the top of the Volvo Order of Merit if I win and that would be nice to be able to overtake Monty before I fly to America for the US Open.”
While Goosen was making steady progress in the steady downpour, Sandelin could not cash in on his second round 64. A score of 73 left him frustrated and disappointed.
He said: “I was looking for a 69 today to have a couple of shots to spare over the field but I don’t have it now. I will have to go back to the hotel and get my energy level back to the top and go out hot tomorrow.”
Sandelin made two birdies but undid the good work by missing a short putt at the seventh and three-putting the 13th and 16th for bogeys.
“I am really wet and a little cold” he said. “It was tough. I didn’t make the shots I wanted to. I started to think one shot ahead and that is not good. The concentration is not there. If have to stay focussed on one shot at a time.”
New course record holder Gary Evans fought gamely to stay in the hunt after a round of 60 for a total of 207, one behind the joint leaders. Evans birdied the last to be just one off the pace but was still annoyed.
“I want it so badly after eight years” he said. “I just get cheesed off when I throw another one away. You put everything into being there. I suppose in the end I can settle for being just one shot off the lead.”
The biggest move of the day was made by Scotland’s Raymond Russell, who had played 13 holes before the rain started to empty its cargo from the heavens.
Russell, who made the cut on the limit of level par, leapt into contention with a nine-birdie 63 which left him one stroke off the lead, tied with Evans, on 207.
Last year, fourth place in the Open Championship secured his card. This time, a big finish in the German Open can achieve the same objective. He admitted: “I’ve shot 63 on Tour before but not on a par 72 course. At least it gives me a long lie in the morning!”
