ANTALYA, Turkey – Thorbjorn Olesen extended his lead to seven strokes at the Turkish Airlines Open after shooting 4-under 68 for his third round on Saturday, moving the Dane to the brink of a European Tour victory for the third straight year.
It could have been even better for Olesen, who started the day six shots clear, but he bogeyed the 18th hole for his second dropped shot of the day after driving into the rough. He was on 18-under 195 overall.
The 92nd-ranked Olesen is in line for the biggest payday of his career, with the winner earning nearly $1.2 million. His other three European Tour wins have come after holding the 54-hole lead.
Five players — David Lipsky (66), Bernd Wiesberger (66), Haotong Li (68), Matteo Manassero (68) and David Horsey (68) — were tied for second place at Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort, which is hosting the first of three Finals Series events on the tour.
Olesen's form in Turkey is surprising, given he had made the weekend at just four of his last 13 events. His last win was at the Dunhill Links Championship in October 2015.
Olesen birdied the second and sixth holes, and then picked up more shots with a three straight birdies from No. 14.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.