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Donaldson maintains Czech Masters advantage

Donaldson remains on course for a European Ryder Cup spot © Getty Images

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Jamie Donaldson remains on top of the leaderboard at the Czech Masters after a steady three-under 69, staying on course for a debut European Ryder Cup place.

However, Donaldson was left to rue some sloppy stroke play down the back-nine, with two bogeys on the final three holes reducing his lead to one.

"I played nicely again and made a lot of birdies out there today, but a few bogeys so if I can go out there tomorrow and play as well as I've played over the last couple of days I'll be in a strong position going into the final round," Donaldson told European Tour.

"Overall it was a solid day but like I said it could have been very good out there."

After a composed one-under through the front nine, Donaldson made four birdies in six holes before his disappointing finish allowed Grégory Bourdy to close the gap.

Although leading at the half-way stage, Donaldson will be prioritising a top-seven finish which would seal his place in Europe's Ryder Cup team.

"I won't dwell on the poor shots; I played two pitches at seven and eight and misjudged them both so one's come out hot and one's come out dead," added Donaldson. "That slowed the run down, up until that point I was really motoring.

"It's a great golf course, it's generous off the tee and you're setting yourself up for birdies on a regular basis so it's more of the same and go and attack at the weekend.

"I'm playing good stuff, today it was a really low one early doors and then the wind picked up a little but it was there for the taking so we'll see how it pans out weather-wise and try and take the opportunities when they come."

Tommy Fleetwood shot a round of the day seven-under 65 to move within two of Donaldson while five players carded five-under 67 to climb into the top 10.

James Morrison maintained a late charge and looked set to take over Donaldson's lead, but two bogeys in his last four holes halted his momentum. The Briton remains six-under, three shots off the lead.

Czech Masters Leaderboard

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