Cutler set for Fota finish

Paul Cutler during last week’s Irish Open. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.iePaul Cutler has a chance to record his first victory as a professional and take a giant leap up the Europro rankings in what promises to be a thrilling final round of the Audi Cork Irish Masters at Fota Island.

The 23-year old from Portstewart trails leaders Rita Batibasaga, Stuart Manley and Elliot Saltman by a stroke on three under par thanks to a battling 70.

Just five shots cover the top 29 players on the leaderboard with Cutler is in a five-way tie for fourth in the race for the £10,000 top prize.

His second round didn’t get off to the best of starts when he double bogeyed the second. However, the 2011 Walker Cup stalwart eagled the par-five 10th and sandwiched a bogey at the 13th between birdies at the 12th and 18th to finish the day tied with Duncan Stewart, Zane Scotland, Dan Seymour and Darryn Lloyd on three under.

Carrickfergus pro Ross Oliver, who failed to come through Local Final Qualifying for the Open on Tuesday, shot a 69 to trail the leaders by just two strokes on two under.

Overnight leader Michael Collins of Mallow Golf Range shot a second round 74 to slip three shots off the pace on one under. The cut fell at plus four. Scores