McDowell making a big impression

As Thomas Bjorn shot to the top of the leaderboard at 11-under-par after their third rounds and Richard Bland carded a 63 to equal the course record and be 10-under, the biggest Irish mover today has been Graeme McDowell who is playing in only his second professional tournament.

Portrush 22-year-old McDowell made the cut right on the mark but fired a super six-under-par 66 to be seven-under-par going into the last day's play.

Five birdies and an eagle at the 18th hole to finish was McDowell's story of the day, as he played alone with only a card-marker.

"I played solid really and hit 16 greens but I missed a lot of good chances.

The 9th was a good example as I hit it to about eight feet and missed. I got a bit frustrated. I had a lot of really, really good chances but I'll take the 65," he enthused.

"I was only two-under after 15 holes and really frustrated - then I hit two great shots to the 16 and holed a nice putt from about eight to 10 feet. Then birdied the short 17th from 20 feet I hit a great tee-shot down the last and a six iron on to 20 feet and holed that one, too, for eagle. A Lovely finish."

Darren Clarke also posted a 65 to be seven-under after three rounds but also reckoned that he left a few shots out on the course.

"It could have been a very, very low score today but much better than the 71 and 70 I shot in the two opening rounds. I hit my irons fantastic and had a lot of close putts today. After I finished last night I sat down for 15 minutes and then went to the range for an hour to work on my iron play. That made all the difference today," revealed Clarke who predicts a bright future in the pro game for Graham McDowell.

Padraig Harrington reckons that his chances of taking the title tomorrow have now all but gone.

He returned a 69 today to be five-under going into the last round with a lot of work to do to catch the leaders.

It could have been a lot better for Harrington as he lipped out five times in the first six holes.

"I missed a few putts and then got terribly frustrated. It is disappointing when you have such high expectations and the crowd is backing you and willing you on. At just five-under I'm not really now in contention for the title. Today was the day to score and I didn't do it. The course was playing easier than yesterday but I will go out tomorrow and do my best," promised Harrington.

A double-bogey at the 8th and a bogey at the next hole really wrecked his card, as he turned two-over.

Birdies at the 10th and 16th and an eagle to finish brought him back in 31 (four-under) but the damage was done on the way out.

Des Smyth has carded four birdies and one bogey in his first 10 holes today to move to 10-under for the tournament and be one shot off the leaders.

Eamon Darcy has carded five birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey six-under 15 holes in the third round.

CLUBHOUSE SCORES

206 (-7) - Graeme McDowell 70,71,65

206 (-7) - Darren Clarke 71,70, 65.

208 - Padraig Harrington 71,68,69

210 - Philip Walton 71,69,70

-10 - Des Smyth after 46 holes

-6 - Eamon Darcy after 51 holes