Lawrie five behind in Wales

2003 rookie of the year Peter Lawrie is five from the top att he Celtic Manor Wales Open on nine under par.

John Bickerton was today making the biggest move in the third round of the Celtic Manor Wales Open.

Bickerton began the day 11 shots off the lead held by Simon Khan, who threatened the first ever sub-60 round on the European Tour before carding a course record 61 yesterday.

But an outward half of 31 from Bickerton this morning almost halved that massive deficit and lifted him into a share of fifth place.

Bickerton, yet to win a tour title but with five second places to his name - including in this event in 2002 – picked up birdies at the second, fourth and fifth before enjoying a slice of good luck at the eighth.

His eight-iron approach from 144 yards took one bounce before diving into the hole for an eagle two, taking him to five under for the day and eight under for the tournament.

Australia’s Jarrod Moseley, the course record holder after a 63 last year until Khan’s heroics yesterday, was also eight under after picking up four birdies in an outward nine of 32.

Defending champion Ian Poulter had picked up a birdie at the third to improve to five under, but it was still looking bleak for the punter who had placed £15,000 (€22,600) on the Englishman at 14/1 to retain his title.

Khan and nearest challenger Paul Casey, two shots behind after a flawless second round 63, were due out shortly before 1pm.