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Francesco Manassero carded a 5-under 67 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the BMW International Open. The Italian sits on 15 under overall, with South Africa’s George Coetzee his nearest challenger on 12 under after a 69. Manassero is seeking his third European Tour title, and his first since 2013, while Coetzee is chasing his maiden victory on the circuit.
Rory McIlroy surged into a one-shot lead at the Irish Open after a third-round 69 at Mount Juliet.
The four-time major winner carded five birdies and two bogeys to move to 11 under par, one ahead of England’s Eddie Pepperell and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
McIlroy, who is seeking a record-breaking third Irish Open title, made a strong start with birdies on the first and second holes.
He dropped a shot on the sixth but birdied the ninth to turn in 33.
McIlroy then birdied the 11th and 14th holes before bogeying the 16th. He parred the last two holes to secure a one-shot lead heading into the final round.
Thailand’s Pajaree Wannasaen birdied her final two holes to take the opening-round lead at the Dana Open on Thursday in Sylvania, Ohio.
The 24-year-old posted a 7-under 64 at Highland Meadows Golf Club for a one-shot lead over Japan’s Saori Yoshida and Sweden’s Frida Kinhult.
Wannasaen, a three-time LPGA Tour winner, made the turn in 3-under 32 thanks to three birdies and no bogeys. She picked up another shot at the par-3 11th and then overcame a bogey at the par-5 13th with consecutive birdies at Nos. 17 and 18.