Oliver Lindell is in pole position for his maiden Challenge Tour win after a stellar third round at the Hainan Open.
The 26-year-old Finn shot a four-under 68 at Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club, lifting him to 16 under par for the tournament, giving him a two-shot lead over Swedenโs Niklas Lemke and the Philippinesโ Lloyd Jefferson Go.
Lindellโs round featured five birdies, offset by a single bogey, propelling him ahead of the overnight leaders.
Heโs keen to capitalise on this advantage, admitting itโs the first time heโs led solo going into the final round on the Challenge Tour.
โIโve never been in this position on the Challenge Tour where I have the final round lead all to myself,โ he said. โItโs really nice and Iโll just try to enjoy my golf tomorrow.โ
Lindellโs round began cautiously, with one birdie and one bogey on the front nine. However, a flawless back-nine surge with birdies on the 10th, 13th, 15th, and 18th helped him break free of the pack.
Reflecting on his day, Lindell shared, โI had a frustrating start to the round,โ he added. โI missed a couple of short putts yesterday and today it continued with a big lip out on the first.
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โI stayed patient and on the back nine, I played really good golf and managed to get the round under par.
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โI checked the leaderboard after nine holes and I knew that people were making lots of birdies and I was just glad I managed to play well.
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โTee-to-green has been really good. I have been feeling so comfortable on the tee and on the fairway. My putting could be better but luckily a couple dropped.โ
Behind Lindell, a trioโDane Hamish Brown, Englandโs Ben Schmidt, and Chinese favourite Zihao Jinโsits in fourth place at 13 under par.
South African duo Wilco Nienaber and JC Ritchie, along with Swedenโs Bjรถrn ร kesson, are one shot further back in seventh.
The final round begins at 7:30 am local time, with Lindell, Lemke, and Go teeing off in the final group at 9:31 am.
