Wales open, 3rd Round

Uihlein takes control at Celtic Manor

ESPN staff

August 31, 2013

Peter Uihlein is in the frame to claim his second European Tour win of the year © PA Photos

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Peter Uihlein moved into a commanding lead at the Wales Open after carding a third round score of 67 to move seven-under par overall at Celtic Manor, three shots ahead of French duo Thomas Levet and Gregory Bourdy.

Uihlein made two birdies and two bogeys in his opening eight holes, before completing eagle at the par-five ninth following an impressive approach shot. The American found the cup from nine feet to move into an outright lead.

A good run on the greens continued for Uihlein when he holed out from 50 feet on the tenth, before making another solid birdie on the 14th to move further clear.

Two solid saves in the closing stages of his round, including a 25-foot putt to save par on the 16th, before birdie at the last helped to establish a healthy lead for Uihlein, who is aiming for his second European Tour win of the year after his victory in the Madeira Islands Open in May.

"I was just solid today and was able to plot my way around," Uihlein said. "I am excited [for tomorrow] and looking forward to it. I feel like I've given myself a few opportunities this year and hopefully I can stick to my gameplan."

Levet also hit a four-under round of 67 to move well within contention, while Bourdy moves to four-under overall after his 70.

Sweden's Peter Hedblom enjoyed a rise up the leaderboard after he carded a five-under 66; six birdies were tarnished by a single bogey at the 16th. Joost Luiten and Rafa Cabrera-Bello join Hedblom on three-under, four shots off the lead.

Matthew Nixon is the highest placed Englishman in the field at the first event to feature for Ryder Cup qualification, after he completed a round of 68 to move within five shots.

However, round two leader Liam Bond endured a torrid time on his third outing in Newport, hitting five bogeys plus a double bogey in a third round of 78 which has seriously scuppered any title hopes for the Welshman.

Ryder Cup 2014 captain Paul McGinley ended with a third round of 77 to drop back to three-over for the tournament.

Wales Open Leaderboard