Parry takes clubhouse lead in Spain

England’s John Parry surged into the early clubhouse lead on the third day of the Castello Masters in Spain.

The world number 123 hit a sizzling eight-under-par 63 to force his way into contention after steady if unspectacular opening rounds of 70 and 71.

The 23-year-old from Harrogate, who claimed his maiden European Tour win at last month’s Vivendi Cup, produced five birdies over the front nine before further efforts at 11, 13 and 16 capped an impressive charge to nine-under overall.

Parry’s efforts leave him well in contention heading into the final day, although whether he will hold the outright lead tomorrow morning remains in the balance with battle joined out on the course.

Fellow Englishman Gary Boyd was on 10-under overall after shooting four birdies over his first eight holes today.

Three other players were also on 10-under through six holes. Sweden’s Christian Nilsson and Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez both hit three birdies over their first six holes, while Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano hit two birdies as he also moved into a four-way share of the course lead.

Overnight leader Peter Hedblom suffered a difficult start to his third round, hitting one birdie and three bogeys over his opening six holes as he dropped to seven-under and a share of 15th place.