Mulroy edges ahead of Spaniards

Garth Mulroy: chasing his second European Tour victory

South African Garth Mulroy will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the BMW Italian Open in Turin.

The 34-year-old, whose only previous European Tour victory came in the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Championship, moved to the top of the leaderboard on 17-under by firing a six-under 66 in the third round.

Mulroy made his move with four birdies in five holes from the sixth and added two more on the back nine at the 13th and 18th.

"I said on the first day the course reminds me a lot of a South African course," he said.

"The trees, the shape, and the ball goes a little further too.

"I haven't played so well this year. It would be a big thing to win on mainland Europe, especially with the purse here and the two-year exemption. I don't win very often so I'd take any win."

Chasers

Mulroy will have to hold off a three-pronged Spanish challenge on Sunday with Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (67) just one behind him and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (65) and Pablo Larrazabal (66) a shot further back on 15 under.

"I've played quite a bit with Gonzalo," added Mulroy. "We've been drawn together a few times and have played together a few more at the weekend. I enjoy it and I like his caddie too, he's a funny guy. I feel very comfortable out there."

Fernandez-Castano had a mixed round with seven birdies and four bogeys and admitted he could have played better.

"I played well but I had a few unforced errors which cost me a few shots," he said.

"But two birdies to finish on the last two holes has put me back in contention and I'm in a great position for tomorrow.

"It's not going to be an easy task. There are a lot of players within four shots, and this is one of those courses where you can go really low if you have a good day.

"So I will need to play well again tomorrow and go low, especially to put some pressure on Garth, who is playing great. He's hitting the ball beautifully and his putting is fabulous. It's going to be hard to beat him tomorrow."

Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts (65) and Martin Kaymer of Germany (67) are among a group of six tied for fifth place on 13 under after performing well in their penultimate rounds before the Ryder Cup.

Overnight leader Richard Bland of England (71), Frenchman Gregory Bourdy (70), Welshman Phillip Price (66) and Italian youngster Matteo Manassero (65), who birdied four of the last six holes, are also on 13 under.

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