Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat shot a third-round 67 on Saturday to join overnight leader Matthew Fitzpatrick at the top of the leaderboard going into the final round of the British Masters.
Kiradech, 26, twice a winner this year, moved a shot ahead after a birdie putt at 14, but England’s Fitzpatrick, 21, who has led since day one as he bids for a first European title, picked up his fourth birdie at 15 for a third-round 68 to join the Thai on 12-under 201.
“I just look forward to playing tomorrow [Sunday],” Kiradech said. “I’ll just continue to play my own game, and concentrate on the game plan and give myself the opportunity to putt and keep it in the fairways. If I can make lower than 67, I think it may be job done.”
Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti were a shot off the lead on 11-under after both registered 66.
England’s Luke Donald, now ranked 66th and bidding for his first European Tour title in more than three years, was three adrift following a 65 that included six birdies in nine holes.
Another former world No. 1, Lee Westwood, was two shots further back after a 67.
“I have got myself in a great position, and I would love to go out there tomorrow and shoot another round like that,” Donald said. “I would just like to win any tournament to be honest, but it would be a little more special in the UK. I want it more for confidence, just to know that I can do it again. I feel like good things are coming.”
Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell was six shots off the leaders.
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