Nacho Elvira takes lead with flurry of birdies

Nacho Elvira fired six birdies in the front nine and closed with an 8-under 62 marred by a single bogey at the par-5 11th to move to the top of the Made in Himmerland leaderboard at 9-under.

“That was what I call a quick start,” said the Spaniard.

“From one to seven, I hit the ball really, really well. I hit it really close to a foot on one, to two feet on three, three feet on four, so the golf was really good from one to six. Then I tried to be patient and managed to get two or three more birdies on the scorecard and I did.”

“[On the 11th] it says a par five on the scorecard but it’s not, it’s a par six,” he continued. “I’m happy with a bogey there. It’s just a very tough hole. It’s playing into the wind, it’s very long and even though it’s a par five, it’s not a gimme.

“Today is a really good day but things are turning around. It’s been a tough season, very slow, changing many things, many things have been happening in my life, but I’m pleased with where I’m at.”

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who held the overnight lead, moved down into second place at 8-under after carding a 68.

England’s Ross Fisher also moved down into third place at 7-under after closing with a 67.

“I’m pleased with the three under,” said Fisher. “To be honest, it didn’t feel like I played anywhere near as good as yesterday. Today was a little bit scrappy in places.

“I think if you would have offered me level par for where I hit it off the tee on seven, eight and nine, I probably would have taken it. To sign for three under, seven under total, I’m very pleased.”

Scots Richie Ramsay and Marc Warren both carded 64s for a share of fourth place at 6-under.