Golf – Wales Open:Graeme McDowell stormed into contention on the third day of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor after carding a seven under 64 to get within four shots of overnight leader Marcel Siem.
It was by far McDowell's best round of the week to date, and only for a bogey at the 16th, his round was flawless. Five birdies on the front side got McDowell to the turn in 31 before another came at the 11th.
The bogey at 16 was disappointing but the 30-year-old bounced back in the best way possible with a pair of closing birdies to share third alongside Scotland's Stephen Gallacher, who fired a course record 63 around the TwentyTen Ryder Cup course.
“It was a great day for scoring, the conditions were perfect,” said McDowell after his round. “I knew I had to something today and make some sort of a move. It’s great to give myself a chance of winning tomorrow.
“My driving has been good all week, my iron play sharp and I holed a few putts which I wasn’t able to do on Thursday.
“Putting it all together in one week is difficult, but I’m playing well and just have to keep putting myself in contention. I’ve given myself a chance to win tomorrow.”
Siem carded a flawless five under 66 to open up a three shot lead on Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, who also carded a 66, and Thomas Bjorn (68), the only player in the field to shoot three scored in the 60s.
"I'm really, really happy with that," said Siem of his five birdie round. "The last couple of holes I became a bit more defensive but the putts started to drop on the back nine."
"I was just trying to stay calm on the course and I do that by singing to myself or thinking about my two little dogs back home."
"I right up there and and I just need to become more consistent because I don't alway have the confidence.
"It would be fantastic to win and get the exemption because I have been fighting to get my tour card the last few seasons," added the German.
Damien McGrane also went low with his round of 66 to get to two under and erase the damage done by yesterday's 76. McGrane was joined by Peter Lawrie (72).
Shane Lowry's 69 moved the Irish Open champion up to one under, while Darren Clarke signed for a 73 to be level par.
Gareth Maybin shot a second successive 73 to be two over, one better than Simon Thornton, who also shot 73.