Defending champion Thomas Pieters will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Czech Masters, after moving onto 12 under par overall in Prague on Saturday.
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Winther took the afternoon initiative by following back-to-back birdies over his opening two holes with two more from the 13th, as Pieters picked up three strokes in a four-hole stretch from the fourth to stay in touch.
“I’m putting very well which I’ve been struggling with lately, so it’s nice to see some midrange putts going in”, Pieters told Sky Sports.
“I think everyone in the world knows it’s a big week this week, as is next week, so to start like that is very pleasing”, Fitzpatrick said after returning a 69 for 138.
The 24 year old from Antwerp enjoyed a flawless round at the sun-kissed Prague venue – a member of the prestigious European Tour Destinations network – to move to a ten under par total and maintain his hopes of an eleventh-hour charge into contention for automatic Ryder Cup qualification. A bogey five at the eighth and a six under 66, however, left him tied at the top.
Winther had to fight hard for a one-over-par 73 and is tied for third with Robert Rock, who signed for a 65. “It feels like controlled and stress-free golf”.
“I had no idea I was anywhere near the course record, I figured somebody went insane out here but it’s awesome to hear and I’m really happy with that round”. “If I have a good week here and a good week next week then I’ll close it up”.
With Howell looking like he would be one shot off the lead at the end of his round, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matthew Fitzpatrick already in the clubhouse on six-under, the two-time Ryder Cup victor pulled out another birdie on the last to draw level with the early pace setters.
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Andy Sullivan will have to wait another week to try to secure his Ryder Cup place after missing the cut, while captain’s pick hopeful Lee Westwood was at two under.
