Matteo Manassero retains one-shot lead ahead of final round

Matteo Manassero carded a third-round 67 marred by a single bogey to retain the lead at the Jonsson Workwear Open by one shot at 20-under.

“We’ll see how it goes. It’s really difficult to close tournaments out and to win. I’m in a position that I’m really happy to be in and all I can do is not force anything… I’m just going to try and be myself and play golf,” said the Italian.

Manassero lost his card in 2018 and regained it last year after winning on the European Challenge Tour.

“Winning gave me confidence last year that I was on the right track and I was playing well and a lot of things. Winning is great but there is a lot more around that needs to work and needs to be improved which at the end makes the result come.”

England’s Jordan Smith shot a 65 featuring an eagle at the par-5 11th and a bogey to take a share of second place at 19-under alongside South African Shaun Norris whose own 65 had an extra bogey.

Oliver Bekker, also of South Africa, lies a further shot back after closing with a 68 and shares fourth place with Spain’s Angel Hidalgo who produced an eagle at the par-5 17th, six birdies and three bogeys.

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