Jordan Smith started the day five shots behind the lead and did not make the best start by bogeying the par-4 3rd hole. He quickly recovered with three consecutive birdies from the 4th and made the turn in 34. An eagle at the par-5 11th and another two birdies saw him close with a 66 to reach 14-under and take a share of the lead at the BMW International Open.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said the Englishman. “It’s going to be low scoring tomorrow so I think we’ve got to stay aggressive when we can. We’ve got to take those birdie opportunities.
“It’s never perfect but holes like 11 and 12 always help. I holed a long putt for eagle and then chipped in for birdie. That was massive for momentum to get as close to Ewen as possible and take it into tomorrow.”
Scot Ewen Ferguson held the overnight lead at 13-under and fired three birdies and two bogeys to retain a share of the lead heading into the final day.
“It was a tough day and just quite happy to have a good chance tomorrow,” said Ferguson. “I’m in a good position and I think on a Saturday you can easily wipe yourself out of it but you can’t win it. We’ve got a good opportunity tomorrow.
“I feel like I’m good enough, I’m ready and my game’s in really good shape. It’s exciting and I just want a chance coming down the last nine on Sunday. That’s what you play and practise for and if I get myself in that part then I feel like it’s a win on its own and we can take it from there.”
Sweden’s Jens Dantorp shot a 64 for a share of third place at 13-under alongside France’s Romain Langasque who closed with a 70.
England’s Matthew Southgate carded a 68 to tie in fifth place at 12-under with Australian David Micheluzzi (68) and American Patrick Reed (68).
Related: Sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour
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