Martin Kaymer and Alejandro Canizares share the 54-hole lead at the 2021 Austrian Golf Open with each entering the finale at Diamond Country Club, hoping to end a seven-year winless streak.
Canizares, who has led since an opening-round 67, carded a second straight 70 to reach 9 under in his quest to score his first victory since the 2014 Trophee Hassan II in Morroco.
“If you told me going into the week I’m going to be leading by Sunday I would be having some champagne already, so it’s a good thing,” said Canizares.
“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, I’m hitting the ball good, I’m hitting my tee shots really well, my second shots well. I just need to keep calm, keep the head on my shoulders and just play my golf.”
Co-leader Kaymer, a two-time major champion who hasn’t won since claiming victory at the 2014 U.S. Open, carded a third-round 69 to join the Spaniard atop the 54-hole leaderboard.
“Mentally I’m really excited about tomorrow,” said the 36-year old German. “It doesn’t really matter what happens tomorrow, if you win or not it’s nice to be in that position, to have an opportunity to win a golf tournament.
“Last year I had a couple of chances which I didn’t use. More often as you get into that position I think you get more comfortable and then it’s just a matter of time.
“After three days I think I’m happy to go out tomorrow and see what happens.
“It’s just nice for your confidence, for your belief that you can win again. For me that has been a while. We are obviously not there yet but it’s nice to be in that position and I look forward to it.”
Alone in third-place at 8 under was Kaymer countryman, Maximilian Kieffer (68), a shot clear of American John Catlin, who carded 71.
Englishman Daniel Gavins (67), Dutchman Joost Luiten (69), and South African Jacques Kruyswijk (70) were T5 on 6 under.
2021 Austrian Golf Open
Top-5 Leaders: Round 3
Pos-Player-To Par-(Rd 3)
1. Martin Kaymer -9 (-3)
1. Alejandro Canizares -9 (-2)
3. Max Kieffer -8 (-4)
4. John Catlin -7 (-1)
5. Daniel Gavins -6 (-5)
5. Joost Luiten -6 (-3)
5. Jacques Kruyswijk -6 (-2)
Material from the European Tour Media & Communications was used to compile report.
