McGovern maintains challenge in Sardinia

Brendan McGovern maintained his challenge for a high placing in the Starwood PGA of Europe Championship at the Pevero Golf Club in Sardinia with a third round 70 but the Headfort Club professional is still nine shots behind leader Paul Wesselingh.

Englishman Wesselingh fired a five-under-par 67 to maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard after sharing the halfway lead with fellow countryman Brian Rimmar.

Rimmar was round in 68 shots to be one shot behind the leader going into the last day's play tomorrow.

"You can only concentrate hard on your next shot and take nothing for granted here," commented McGovern.

"I played well today and got my approach shots the right side of the hole but you cannot let up your concentration for one single moment. This course tests every part of your game and your

course management."

As McGovern, winner of the Irish Order of Merit this season and the Irish Region vice-captain, stayed in contention, Leslie Walker leaped up the leaderboard from last spot to equal 25th.

The Dundalk Club pro carded a two-under-par 70. Not such good luck for the other Irish contender, John Dignam (Slade Valley). He slipped back from joint 25th to equal 31st after taking 77 strokes to complete the third round.