Havret makes progress

France’s Gregory Havret today made a brilliant start to the third round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship as he chased a second victory in three events.

Havret, whose win in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles was overshadowed by the finalising of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, began the day three-over-par after rounds of 73 and 74 at Gut Larchenhof.

That was a distant 11 shots off the lead held by Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, but on a damp morning the gap was soon reduced to seven with two birdies and an eagle in the first three holes.

After a birdie at the short par-four opening hole, Havret holed his second shot to the next with a five iron from 182 yards, and then birdied the par-five third as well.

Two pars followed but the 31-year-old was now inside the top 20 and looking to take advantage of greens thankfully slowed down by rain today and yesterday.