PERTH, Australia (AP) — Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen shot a scrambling 5-under 67 on Saturday at Lake Karrinyup to take a three-stroke lead in the Perth International.
The 24-year-old Olesen had six birdies and a bogey in the third round to reach 16 under.
“I tried to go out there and be aggressive like I did the first two days, but I didn’t have the game today,” Olesen said. “I didn’t feel good. I was struggling out there. I made some great up-and-downs to keep it going. It was a fight all the way through, but I still had fun and I was fighting all the way. Five under is a great score today.”
South Korea’s Sihwan Kim was second after a 69.
England’s James Morrison was third at 12 under, following his course-record 63 with a 69. American Peter Uihlein was another stroke back after a 65.
American Jason Dufner was tied for 19th at 7 under after a 69. He’s making his first start since withdrawing during the first round of the PGA Championship in Kentucky because of a neck injury.
Olesen chipped in for a birdie on the par-5 third hole.
“I hit my tee shot right — I hit a couple right today — but it was lying beautiful in the light rough,” he said. “I hit it perfect. It checked up on me and rolled right in.”
He won the 2012 Sicilian Open for his lone European Tour title.
“It’s been a couple of years since I won, so definitely I’ll feel the nerves” Olesen said. “I’ve been in contention in big tournaments and I know how it feels. But it’ll be great to get that victory, so it’ll definitely be on my mind. I just want to be out there tomorrow, be aggressive, and have fun.”
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
