golf

The 34 year old Swede carded his second bogey-free round of the week to reach 15 under par to move ahead of overnight leader Tomás Gouveia, who holds solo second.

Blomstrand started fast with a birdie on the opening hole, making additional gains on the fourth and sixth before three birdies in four holes around the turn saw him climb within touching distance of Gouveia, who had earlier set the clubhouse target at 13 under par. An eagle at the 14th from Blomstrand saw him pull level with the Portuguese, before back-to-back gains to finish saw him move into the solo lead.

“It was nice,” he said. “There was a lot of wind today so I’m actually very happy with how I managed this round.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had two bogey-free rounds in a row, it’s the first time, maybe, so hopefully for another one or two rounds, who knows?”