DP World Tour: Former winner Jordan Smith in six-way tie for the lead at Porsche European Open
- Planet Sport writer
- 3 June 2023
Jordan Smith heads into the final round of the Porsche European Open in a six-way tie at the top of the leaderboard as he bids to win the tournament for the second time.
Former champion Jordan Smith was amongst six players tied for the lead after the third round of the Porsche European Open.
The Englishman, who secured the first of his two DP World Tour titles with a play-off victory over Alex Levy at Green Eagle Golf Courses in 2017, shot a third-round 72 to sit alongside Alexander Bjork, David Law, Tom McKibbin, John Axelsen and Julien Guerrier at the summit on six under par.
Scot Law closed his Saturday 72 with back-to-back birdies to grab a share of the lead, while Northern Irishman McKibbin, 20, followed up a roller-coaster front nine with eight pars before finishing his round with a birdie.
Guerrier began the day six shots off the lead but stormed into contention after recovering from a bogey on the sixth with five birdies over the next six holes.
The Frenchman dropped another shot on the 13th but closed his round with gains at the 15th, 16th and 18th to shoot a 67 and put himself in a strong position as he searches for his first DP World Tour title on Sunday.
Swede Bjork produced a birdie-eagle finish, while Dane Axelsen fired four birdies in his final six holes.
Smith said: "I'm happy with how I hung in there and kept things going. Made a few birdies coming in, which is nice.
"I've been enjoying my week so far, I haven't got on my back too much. So more of the same tomorrow.
"Everyone will say (winning) would mean everything, but it would mean everything. It would be nice to win in front of my wife and it would be great to get that third win under my belt."
Challenge Tour graduate McKibbin, who hails from the same golf club as Rory McIlroy, is looking forward to the final-round battle.
"I'm excited," said McKibbin. "Looking forward to going out there and playing golf. I'll just take it one hole at a time and see where that leaves us at the end of the day.
"(Winning) would mean the world to me. I'll just try not to think about that, go out and play my own game and see where that leaves me at the end of tomorrow."
Law, who is aiming to secure his second victory, said: "It's been an amazing tournament. The crowds today were brilliant."