Martin Couvra moves to the top in Italy

Martin Couvra carded a 3-under 67 featuring four birdies and one bogey to take a one-shot lead at 11-under at the Italian Open.

Couvra is attempting to become the first player to win multiple events on the DP World Tour this season following his win at the Turkish Airlines Open in May.

“I’m really proud about my 18th, because I was really tired on the last few holes. It’s quite difficult with the heat,” said Couvra. The course is so tough, so we needed to be very concentrated.

“There’s a lot of great players here, so you have to keep going. [The lead is] only one shot. I’ll try to do my best on the last 18, and that’s it.

“It’s going to be a great experience because it’s my first time being in this position. I’m really proud to be in this position and I hope to be there tomorrow.”

Fellow Frenchman Adrien Saddier made two bogeys and closed with a 67 to move into a share of second place at 10-under alongside Spain’s Enugenio Chacarra who made three bogeys and carded a 66.

Spain’s Ángel Ayora who held the lead after the second round made five birdies, two bogeys and a triple bogey at the par-5 12th and moved down into a share of fourth place at 9-under alongside Norway’s Andreas Halvorsen who shot two birdies and one bogey for a 69.

The leading two players, not already exempt, who make the cut will earn places in the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.

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