Bekker two clear in Catalunya

Oliver Bekker. Picture: Getty Images

Oliver Bekker will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the 2022 Catalunya Championship as he looks to turn his fine form into a first DP World Tour victory.

The South African had a share of the lead after an opening 66 but entered the weekend one shot behind Englishman Laurie Canter at PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness.

The playing partners did battle throughout round three and it was Bekker who finished on top, carding a 67 to get to 11 under and sit two ahead of Canter, who signed for a 70.

Bekker has five top-tens in nine starts in his first season with full playing privileges after graduating from the European Challenge Tour. His third-place finish at the Steyn City Championship was the best of his DP World Tour career but he has seven wins on the Sunshine Tour and now has an excellent platform from which to get over the line in Girona.

Canter is also looking for his maiden win after three runner-up finishes, most recently at the 2021 BMW PGA Championship.

Italian duo Lorenzo Gagli and Edoardo Molinari are at eight under, a shot clear of Kiwi Ryan Fox and Pole Adrian Meronk. Last week’s winner Pablo Larrazábal and fellow Spaniard Ivan Cantero Gutierrez are at six under alongside England’s Richard McEvoy, Dane Jeff Winther and Austrian Ryder Cup player Bernd Wiesberger.

Clabdeboye’s Jonny Caldwell is tied 66th on three-over after a 75