Khan and Lara tied in front

England’s Simon Khan and Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara were tied for the lead after four holes of the final round in the Smurfit Kappa European Open at the K Club today.

Lara took a one-stroke advantage into the day but missed a three-foot par putt on the short second in the windy conditions.

He was joined at eight under by Khan and Londoner Anthony Wall, who both birdied the long third – but Wall pitched into a bunker on the next and double-bogeyed.

Welshman Stephen Dodd was in third place on seven under, while Swede Robert Karlsson set the clubhouse target with a magnificent 67 for four under.

Having begun the day 43rd, Karlsson even had an outside chance of winning - with conditions getting no easier.

IRISH PLAYERS: Clarke -6. McGinley -4. Harrington -1. Browne E. McDowell +1. McGrane +2. Higgins +8. Thornton +15.