Matteo Manassero stormed into the BMW PGA Championship lead with a flawless 63 featuring an eagle at the par-5 4th and three consecutive birdies from the 16th.
The Italian reached an 18-under 198 total, the lowest 54-hole score to par in the event’s history, to lead by three shots.
After losing his Tour card for five years Manassero stepped away from the game before returning via the Challenge Tour and won his fourth title at the Jonsson Workwear Open in March.
“It was one of the best rounds I’ve ever played considering the conditions, especially on the front nine,” said Manassero.
“It was raining, it was soft but it was playing long. There wasn’t too many birdies out there but I made the most of them and it was just a fantastic round.
“The feeling is great playing with guys like Rory and Billy and the atmosphere. Wentworth puts up such a fantastic show around us and of course you feed off that, you feed off playing with great players so it was one of those really nice Saturdays.
“Of course I will see the leaderboard and I know what I’m going to face tomorrow and it is a great position to be in.
“It’s not going to be an easy task tomorrow, golf today was great with me and we will see about tomorrow. I will take everything in hand with what this event means and I will make the most out of a Sunday in tough but nice conditions.”
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy eagled the par-5 4th and signed for a bogey-free 66 to move into a share of second place at 15-under alongside American Billy Horschel who shot 65.
England’s Matthew Baldwin who held the overnight lead made three bogeys and closed with a 71 to move down into fourth place at 14-under.
Related: Matteo Manassero’s masterful return to form
For the latest news in the golfing world, follow us on X.
