Eddie Pepperell shot a 71 on Saturday and will take a three-shot lead into Sunday’s finale at the Sky Sports British Masters.
The 27-year old Englishman, who opened with rounds of 67 and 69, finished his third day at Walton Heath with two bogeys against one birdie and an eagle, en route to a three-day total of 9-under par.
Countryman Jordan Smith (70), Swede Alexander Bjork (68), Frenchman Julien Guerrier (70) and American Julian Suri (69) were next at 6-under 210.
As the overnight leader, Pepperell had a goal of shooting in the 60s for a third-straight day, but overall, he was pleased with his current position.
“It would have been nice to hole a couple of putts on the back nine for sure. Give myself a bit more daylight,” said Pepperell, who won his maiden title earlier his season at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
“But I’m confident that I can go out there tomorrow and shoot three, four under par and make everyone else’s life very difficult. New position for me, first time I’ve ever gone out there with a three-shot lead on a Saturday so, to have maintained it, I would say is not a failure.
“Looking back today, I did feel like I hit a lot of nice, solid shots. If I can achieve that tomorrow, I’ll be happy.”
Italy’s Andrea Pavan matched the lowest round of the week with a 67 to sit five shots off the pace, alongside another Englishman in Matt Wallace (73).
2018 SKY SPORTS BRITISH MASTERS
TOP 5: ROUND THREE
Pos-Player-To Par-(Today)
1. Eddie Pepperell -9 (-1)
2. Julian Suri -6 (-3)
2. Jordan Smith -6 (-2)
2. Julien Guerrier -6 (-2)
4. Andrea Pavan -4 (-5)
4. Matt Wallace -4 (+1)
Credit: European Tour
