Tunnicliff in the lead at Slaley Hall

Miles Tunnicliff opened up a four-stroke lead, with 10 holes to play, in the Great North Open at Slaley Hall.

But the gap was then sliced in half as he bogeyed the ninth and Malcolm Mackenzie sank a 40-foot birdie putt at the long 12th.

Joint third two strokes further back were Welshman Bradley Dredge, David Gilford, German Sven Struver and Spaniard Diego Borrego.

Tunnicliff is playing only his second European Tour event of the season and his career-best finish is sixth.

Mackenzie had his first tour victory in 509 starts in the French Open last month.