Matt Fitzpatrick on course for third victory in Switzerland

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is on course for a hat-trick at the Omega European Masters after carding a third round 67 to take a two-shot lead at 15-under in spite of two bogeys and a double bogey at the par-3 13th.

“It was good, sloppy mistake on nine, first putt moved tonnes left to right then second one didn’t move,” said the Englishman. “That was annoying. Very poor shot on 13 but very happy to play the last five in three under just to get back in it.

“I knew that 14 was reachable in two, 15 is gettable today with the down wind and I was hoping I could pick up one in the last three and did on 18.

“I was really pleased to make sure I was in the mix come Sunday because it could have unravelled if you make two pars on the easy par fives and you can be quite a few behind. Important to get a lead going into tomorrow and looking forward to playing again.”

Fitzpatrick became the first player since Seve Ballesteros to defend his title at Crans-sur-Sierre with victories in 2017 and 2018.

A win on Sunday would automatically qualify Fitzpatrick for the Ryder Cup via the World Points list by finishing in at least a tie for seventh with one other player.

“I feel like there’s a lot of things for me this week,” he added. “I can wrap up Ryder Cup, I can match Seve’s record and win here three times. A win here is always special and my third would be even better.”

Scotland’s Connor Syme closed with a 65 to move into a share of second place at 13-under alongside Swedes Alexander Björk (68) and Ludvig Aberg (66).

Alex Fitzpatrick carded a 68 for a share of fifth place at 12-under with Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard (66).