England’s Steve Webster takes a one stroke lead over compatriot Richard Finch into the final round of the Telecom Italian Open as he looks to end a run of five second place finishes with his maiden European Tour title.
Should he break his duck at Castello di Tolcinasco near Milan, much of the credit would go to “mind magician” Jamil Qureshi, who has also helped Nick Dougherty adopt a more positive way of thinking.
Webster linked up with Jamil last year in an effort to find something new and is feeling the benefits. The pre-shot routine in particular is one area they have been working on.
“He’s a magician and mind-reader and can pull a rabbit out of your trousers and all that,” said Webster. “He Performs a lot all round Britain and in Europe. I met him through Gary Evans. I had been wanting to change my mind a bit and get a few new ideas and I had a meeting with him and we seemed to get on great straight away. He gets me very relaxed.”
Since winning the Qualifying School ten years ago in 1995, Webster admits he has under-achieved as victory as so far eluded him. Five runners-up finishes, his most recent in last year’s South African Airways Open.
“When I look at players who have done well, no names mentioned, I know I am better than them. It is a just getting your mind right for it,” said the 30 year old.
Webster picked up nine birdies, including five in a row around the turn, with three dropped shots for a six under par 66 and a 14 under par total 202.
Finch had a chance to share the lead but dropped a shot on the last when he missed the green left but a one under par 71 still puts the rookie in a strong position going into the final round on 13 under par 203.
“I enjoyed it out there,” said Finch, who earned his card through the Qualifying School last November. “Started nicely and got myself in a nice position so it was a slightly disappointing back nine really. Disappointing to make a couple of bogeys late on when I was in a good position. But it is a good golf course and if you play well you can shoot a good score and if you don’t you get punished. See how it goes tomorrow.”
Another Englishman Simon Khan similarly bogeyed the last when he too pulled his approach and had to take a penalty drop from the hazard. His four under par 68 left him tied for third place with Welshman Bradley Dredge, who shot a 71, on 12 under par 204.
Four players, Jamie Spence, David Drysdale, Gary Murphy and Stuart Little are a further shot back on 11 under par.
