Maximilian Steinlechner will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Interwetten Open where he will look to close out a maiden HotelPlanner Tour victory on home soil.
The Austrian entered the third round with a two-shot advantage and after posting a three under par round of 66 he moved to 16 under at Schladming-Dachstein Golf Club, one ahead of Scotland’s David Law, Englishman Ben Stow and Italy’s Filippo Celli.
The 25-year-old mixed five birdies with two bogeys and despite not being at the top of his game in round three, he was delighted to retain his position at the top of the leaderboard.
“My game wasn’t the best today, but I managed it very well,” he said. “I definitely hit better shots across the first two days, but it was important to keep any big scores of the card today. I’ve been solid this week and I’m pleased to be leading heading into the final round.
“I tried to play my own game today and not look at who was around me on the leaderboard. I’m in a great position and I like my chances tomorrow.”
Steinlechner won the Mediclinic Invitational on the Sunshine Tour at the start of the year, and he is now in prime position to pick up his first HotelPlanner Tour title on home soil tomorrow.
“It was pretty cool to have so many fans with me out there,” he said. “Austria is predominately a winter sports country, so I really appreciate them coming out and it really helps me out there.
“I’ve come close to winning on the HotelPlanner Tour, but I’ve never managed to get it done over 72 holes. Tomorrow, I have a great chance, and I am going to give it my best shot. It would be special to get my first win in Austria.”
South African JC Ritchie and Swede David Lundgren share fifth position on 14 under par, while Italy’s Michele Ortolani, Vince van Veen from the Netherlands, Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Spain’s Quim Vidal are a shot further back in seventh.
The final round of the Interwetten Open will get under way at 7am local time, with Steinlechner teeing it up in the final group alongside Law and Stow at 8:40am.