Mikael Lundberg propelled himself into a share of the lead with Jamie Donaldson on the final round of The Irish Open at Royal Portrush after the Swede compiled a dazzling front nine.
He carded six birdies and an eagle to go out in 29, but overnight leader Donaldson joined him on 14 under by picking up two shots in the first three holes.
After starting birdie-eagle-birdie, Lundberg dropped a shot on the fourth before regaining his hot streak by holing from the back of the green for a three on the par four seventh.
Successive birdies followed on the eighth and ninth while he started the back nine by picking up another shot to move two clear of Donaldson.
The Welshman hit back with birdies on the second and third to move level with the Swede.
Donaldson’s playing partner Anthony Wall was unable to capitalise on his birdie on the first as he sliced his tee shot out of bounds on the second. He ended with a triple bogey eight to slip back to nine under.
The bulk of the 30,000 spectators will no doubt hope Dubliner Padraig Harrington can replicate his success in this competition which he won in 2007.
He was met with huge applause on the first tee but could not respond as he three putted for bogey.
