Jordan Smith holds narrow lead at ISPS HANDA World Invitational after Round 3

Jordan Smith could be on course to secure the second European Tour title of his career at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational. 

Matt Chivers's picture
Sat, 31 Jul 2021
Jordan Smith holds narrow lead at ISPS HANDA World Invitational after Round 3

Jordan Smith carded a 5-under-par third-round 65 to earn a one-stroke advantage over David Horsey heading into the final day of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational.

The English duo will battle it out in the final group on Sunday, both hoping to bridge sizeable gaps since their last respective European Tour victories.

It is almost four years to the day since Smith claimed his maiden title at the Porsche European Open, while Horsey's fourth and most recent win came at the 2015 Made in Denmark.

Galgorm has certainly been a happy hunting ground for Smith, who opened his week with an 8-under-par 62 at the 2020 Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open host venue.

His bogey-free 65 on day three means he is 13-under-par across his two rounds at Galgorm, with his 15-under-par total moving him one clear at the top.

Horsey, meanwhile, has improved his score day-by-day, starting the week with a 67 at Galgorm, following that up with a 65 at Massereene Golf Club before a 6-under-par 64 on day three at Galgorm, which moved him to outright second place on 14-under-par.

The pair will face off in the final round of the men's event at Galgorm alongside their playing partner, second-round leader Daniel Hillier, who is the closest challenger on 11-under-par.

"I'm just loving the course. Today we didn't really do so much at all. The putter saved me quite a few times, so hopefully, it can do that tomorrow if needed to," said Smith.

"I'm really pleased. I made some changes at the end of last year. There's been a lot of work, a lot of getting used to it and stuff, so it's nice to see it paying off finally."

The women's event is also set for a thrilling finale as three players share the lead heading into the final round at Galgorm.

Pajaree Annanarukarn of Thailand was joined on 13-under-par by American duo Jennifer Kupcho and Emma Talley and they will tee it up together in the final group, all chasing their maiden LPGA Tour victories.

 

 

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