• BMW PGA Championship, Round Three

Eyes on the prize for Westwood

May 25, 2013

BMW PGA Championship leaderboard

Englishman Lee Westwood admits winning the BMW PGA Championship would mean a lot to him after a 67 on day three at Wentworth took him to eight-under par - one shot off leader Alejandro Canizares.

An eagle at the fourth, a hole Westwood has played in four-under par so far this week, was followed by a birdie at seven as he reached the turn in 32.

Further birdies at 12 and 14 were followed by a bogey at 16 - his first dropped shot since the seventh hole in his second round - but it was immediately eradicated with birdie at 17.

"This is the most prestigious title and the No. 1 trophy for a golfer playing on the European Tour to get, so it's right up there in the ones I want to win," Westwood, a two-time runner up in this event, said.

"That was better today. I hit the ball a lot more like me, with much better iron shots, and I didn't really need to rely on my short game so much, although it was there when I needed it.

"I've been working on the range on getting the ball a little bit higher. It comes and goes but today it was there."

Westwood's clubhouse lead was short-lived after Canizares birdied the final two holes to reach nine-under par. The Spaniard picked up shots at the first and third in a solid front-nine, but further birdies at 11 and 12 were wiped out by bogeys at 13 and 15 before his impressive finish.

Canizares, who is currently recovering from viral meningitis, said: "You never know in this sport. If you don't feel too well or you don't have much energy your body just goes with the momentum.

"I just want to keep my concentration, and that can be really difficult if I feel a little weak on the golf course. No one expects me to win, so I have nothing to lose. I'm not putting pressure on myself, I'm just happy to be up there."

Italian youngster Matteo Manassero and Scot Marc Warren recorded third rounds of 69 and 70 respectively and share third spot, with Ireland's Shane Lowry one back.

Overnight leader Francesco Molinari made a mess of his front nine, with a triple-bogey seven at the par-4 eighth sandwiched by dropped shots at seven and nine, but recovered with birdies at 12 and 15 to salvage a 73 and join a cluster of players on five-under par - including brother Edoardo.

Also in that pack is Sergio Garcia, who carded six birdies and two bogeys en route to a 68, and Englishmen Eddie Pepperell, Mark Foster and Lee Slattery.

The round of the day belonged to Richie Ramsay, whose seven birdies were spoiled by just a single bogey as the Scot signed for a 66 to end the day at four-under par.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.