Vancsik keeps the edge

Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik remained one in front after five holes of the third round in the Madeira Islands Open today.

The 30-year-old qualifying school graduate, who did not have a single top 10 finish in his rookie season on the European Tour last year, was caught by both France’s Christian Cevaer and Spaniard Santiago Luna when they birdied the long third.

But for the third day in a row Vancsik, 10 under par overnight, birdied the 412-yard fifth.

Experienced South African David Frost was still well in touch at nine under following birdies on the second and fifth, but defending champion Jean Van de Velde managed to pick up only one shot over the first 12 holes and at three under was eight back.

England’s Kenneth Ferrie and Welshman Bradley Dredge, who make their Masters debuts in 12 days’ time, were down on two over par.