Victor Riu will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Terre dei Consoli Open as he hunts a second European Challenge Tour title and bids to redeem a disappointing season.
The Frenchman started in blistering form at Terre dei Consoli Golf Club, birdieing his first three holes to pull away from the pack on 11 under par, and, after briefly reaching 12 under, a bogey on 16 left him on that mark after signing for a 69, one ahead of Johan Edfors.
Riu won the 2013 Swiss Challenge and will look to draw on those memories tomorrow in the knowledge that he needs a strong finish to earn a spot in the final four events of the season, particularly the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final which will be contested by the top 45 in the Road to Oman.
“It’s a good thing because I know I can win,” said the 31 year old. “Three years ago I did it and now I know I have the maturity to win a tournament so I think it’s definitely possible again tomorrow.
“It’s a nice memory to have because I was behind on the back nine and had a very strong finish to take victory – I remember I had four birdies in my last five to win, so that was a good week.
“Today was a good day. Three under par is a good score for this kind of course, and it was pretty tricky with the wind towards the end and on the back nine, and some hard pin positions today too.
“I started with three birdies, one, two, and three, which was a really nice start. Then the back nine I made a good up-and-down on 11, then I got lucky on 13 after putting it in the water where I was able to play it.
“I’m trying not to think about the Rankings. My goal is to win because my season so far has been very average, but I’m not thinking about the 45, I’m just trying to play my best.”
Sweden’s Edfors, three times a winner on both the European Tour and the Challenge Tour, had eight birdies in a round of 66 as he reached ten under par over all to climb the leaderboard.
His compatriot Joel Sjӧholm is one shot further back after a bogey-free round of 67, while James Heath and José-Filipe Lima – both already winners this season – share fourth place on eight under par.
