Moynihan continues to climb as van Rooyen leads in Rabat
Erik van Rooyen. Picture: Getty Images
Gavin Moynihan continued his remarkable comeback as Erik van Rooyen took a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Trophée Hassan II at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
The Mount Juliet professional was five-over par and fearing the worst after starting 7-4-7 in Thursday’s opening round.
But he's five-under for his last 51 holes and tied for 21st on level par after carding a two-under 71 in Saturday's third round.
Michael Hoey mixed five bogeys with four birdies in a 74 to share 37th on two-over with Paul Dunne 62nd on six-over after a 77.
Van Rooyen, who has two runner-up finishes and seven top-10's in just 40 European Tour appearances but no victories, made five birdies in his last seven holes and three in a row to finish, as he carded a five-under 68 to lead by one shot from Spain's Jorge Campillo on eight-under.
"I didn't even realise I made five birdies, to be honest," said Van Rooyen, who hd a four-stroke lead going into the final round of last year's Irish Open but finished fourth behind Russell Knox.
"I didn't switch any gears. I struggled with my rhythm, my tempo, but in the beginning, I think I just kind of found my flow on the back nine. I spoke to Alex, my caddie, and said we'll just keep doing what we're doing. I think we were at level par through eight holes and things just started to click.
“I think I've been in this position a number of times now. The nerves will be there again tomorrow, but I love to be in this position. What we've been doing up until now has been great, and we'll just keep doing that.”
Campillo, who carded a four under par round of 69, has racked up two runner-up finishes and a third place in March this year to move into the world's top 100.
"I've been there way too many times, but I think you've got to be in position to win, so I'm in position and hopefully tomorrow is the day," the Spaniard said.
"Patience to win and I have to be aggressive to win tomorrow. I'll be patient; if I don't win tomorrow, I'll be patient and try some other weeks, but tomorrow I'll try to play aggressive like I did today and hopefully I can make the putts and hit it good off the tee."
American Sean Crocker is third, one stroke ahead of fellow 2018 European Challenge Tour graduate Grant Forrest, who shares fourth place on five under par with Wade Ormsby, Lee Slattery and Julian Suri.
