August 27-30
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England
€1,000,000
Round 1, Round 2, Round 4

South African Justin Walters is still on course for a maiden European Tour title at the ISPS HANDA UK Championship at the Belfry.

Walters carded a 3-under 69 to reach 12-under for the tournament, starting in style with a 20-foot birdie putt on his first hole on his way to doubling his overnight lead.

“I was really impressed with myself to be honest. I've never been in this position - on a Friday I don't think I've ever led a tournament - but I woke up unusually calm.

“Just wanted to go out there and stick with what I thought. Keep playing aggressively and whatever came my way came my way. I stayed with it, gave myself the best chance of making birdies. For the most part I just wanted to be aggressive and I think that panned out for me today.”

Trailing two shots behind Walters are Germany's Martin Kaymer and France's Benjamin Hebert at 10-under.

Kaymer improved his chances of returning to the winner's circle with a brilliant 66 having missed his last three cuts.

“I was hitting the ball fine the last three days, I just needed one of those days where the putter was good and hot. This was one of those days.

“This is where I feel comfortable (on the European Tour), where I don't need to adjust at all.

“You see all the players and caddies that you have hung out with for the last 15 years. I don't want to say family but it's very close, having as much comfort as possible."

Hebert, also chasing his maiden title, fired a 70 after a mixed round that included five birdies and three bogeys.

“It was tough for me because I struggled a lot with my tee shots, especially on the front nine,” he said. “But then I managed my rhythm a little better on the back nine. Also, my putting was pretty solid today so I'm pretty happy.”