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Casey hails 'wonderful day' after taking lead in Crans Montana

golf05 September 2026 16:37
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An emotional Paul Casey produced a stunning front nine to catapult himself into a three-shot lead after the third round of the 2026 Omega European Masters.

The Englishman, who has 15 DP World Tour titles to his name, improved his chances of bettering his best result here when finishing third 21 years ago thanks to his blistering start at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

After opening with two pars, Casey went on to birdie six of the next seven holes to reach the turn in 29 and surge into a two-shot advantage at 15 under.

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His scoring stalled on the back nine as he traded shots at the 14th and 15th before finishing with a closing birdie for a total of 16 under par.

"There was so much (to enjoy), maybe saving some of them pars coming in late, but birdie on 18 though, that was the highlight of the day with the great Swiss crowd. I love this place, I really do, so it's a wonderful day," the 49-year-old said.

Cards of 63 were the order of the day with Maximilian Steinlechner flawless in his seven-under round, while South Africa Erik Van Rooyen mixed nine birdies with two dropped shots to sit in a share of second at 13 under.

They were joined by Spanish pair Eugenio Chacarra and Nacho Elvira, who registered respective third rounds of 65 and 68.

Another Spaniard, Angel Ayora, is one shot further back in solo sixth, while Italy's Francesco Laporta, Englishman Todd Clements and Japan's Keita Nakajima are at 11 under.

Overnight leader Thriston Lawrence had a rollercoaster round. 

The South African teed off with a two-shot lead, but ended the day six shots adrift of the lead at 10 under.

© DP World Tour - FULL STORY HERE

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