Benjamin Hebert will take a three-shot lead into the final day of the Volvo China Open following a remarkable end to his third round. The Frenchman went into Saturday’s action sitting four shots off the pace and made little impression on the leaders during his front nine, reaching the turn level par for his round.
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However, Hebert came alive at the turn, producing a stunning back-nine 28 – the lowest score of the season on the European Tour over a nine-hole stretch. The 32-year-old eventually signed for a score of 64, which takes him onto 17-under-par for the tournament and he confirmed he is in uncharted territory heading into his final round as he has never previously led a European Tour event after 54 holes. “Crazy game, isn’t it?” Hebert told the European Tour website.
“I played very badly on the front nine where I didn’t feel good in my swing. I just tried to keep focused on what I’m doing and I found my rhythm in the back nine so I’m happy. “It’s my first time leading after 54 holes and we’ll see. I’ve worked to be in this position and it’s going to be a very early start so hopefully we’ll have some good conditions and we’ll see what happens.”
Finland’s Mikko Korhonen and Jorge Campillo of Spain are Hebert’s nearest challengers, although they are three shots back on 14-under, while overnight leader Ashun Wu sits a further shot off the pace following a level par round of 72 at Genzon Golf Club.
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