Aiken closes in on Spanish title

South African Thomas Aiken was in sight of his first European Tour title after doubling his lead to four shots in the first six holes of the Spanish Open final round at El Prat near Barcelona today.

With players again wearing black ribbons in memory of three-time winner Seve Ballesteros, the 27-year-old from Johannesburg birdied the second and sixth to reach 10 under par.

Sharing second place were former Ryder Cup Welshman Phillip Price, Dane Anders Hansen and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

Jose Maria Olazabal, mourning the loss of his great friend and ex-cup partner Ballesteros, managed only a 77 and fell outside the top 50 on eight over.