Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell carded a second successive 68 to lead the Irish challenge into the final round of the Red Sea Little Venice Open in Egypt.

The Dubliner is tied for 14th at Sokhna Golf Club on eight-under-par, seven shots behind French amateur Oihan Guillamoundeguy.

Scores

The 17-year-old followed his opening 65 with an eight-under 64 to lead by four strokes from  Italians Andrea Saracino and Federico Livio.

The cut fell at four-over-par with The Island’s Paul McBride covering his back nine in four-under 32 to make it with three shots to spare after an excellent 66.

Simon Bryan shot 66 and David Carey a 69 to make it on six-under while Jonathan Yates qualified on the mark after a 68.

Gary Hurley missed out by two strokes after a 72 with James Sugrue fives shots outside the mark after a 73.

Luke Donnelly finished on eight-over after an 81.