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MUNICH: Germany’s Martin Kaymer hammered home his Ryder Cup
credentials by storming into a six-shot lead after three rounds of
the BMW International Open on Saturday.
Kaymer, the 2007 rookie of the year, knocked in
a 25-foot putt on the final green for a 5-under par 67 to take him
to 18-under par 198 and six clear of his closest rival, South
African Charl Schwartzel.
Joint third, one further back, are English trio
Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Benn Barham and Frenchman Thomas Levet.
Kaymer, who won his maiden tour event in Abu
Dhabi in January, is bidding to become the first home winner of this
event in its 20-year history.
“I’m just looking forward to it. It’s nice
to have the chance to win in your own country, and I hope that there
will be a lot of support on Sunday,” said the 23-year-old.
Kaymer had led by five overnight and he was in
impressive form again on Saturday with birdies on the sixth, eighth
and ninth.
A chip-and-putt four on the long 11th widened
the gap still further with his last hole monster putt the perfect
end to the day.
“It’s always nice to have the big challenge,
but I think there are at least seven, eight other guys that want to
win, as well,” said Kaymer who started this tournament in 10th
place on the Ryder Cup standings.
Schwartzel, also 23, knows he has to shoot low
to have any chance of catching Kaymer.
“It’s a strange game, so I’m not too
bothered by him,” said Schwartzel, after a third round of 66 took
him to 12-under 204.
“He’s obviously playing really well. I’ll
have to shoot quite a low one on Sunday.
Iain Pyman recorded the day’s lowest score of
64 to be tied 11th at 207, along with Retief Goosen, who shot a 69.
Colin Montgomerie, with 209, was headed for one
of his best rounds in months with five birdies and an eagle before a
late bogey and double bogey left the Scotsman with a 68.
--afp
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