Andersson Hed scorches to six-shot lead at Italian Open

SWEDEN'S Fredrik Andersson Hed, seeking a first European Tour victory at the 245th attempt, will take a commanding six-shot lead into today's final round of the Italian Open in Turin.

Andersson Hed began yesterday's third round with a one-shot advantage and carded a stunning nine-under 63, the lowest score of the week, for a 17-under-par total of 199.

Playing partner Miguel Angel Jimenez had been level after 13 holes following five birdies in a row, but the veteran Spaniard bogeyed three of the next four to leave Andersson Hed well clear.

The 38-year-old regained his tour card after a 14th trip to the qualifying school last November and has finished fourth in South Africa and seventh in India this season.

"It would mean a lot to get my first win, both for the rankings and for self-confidence," said Andersson Hed, who carded one bogey and ten birdies, including holing a bunker shot on the 17th.

"I have had a couple of chances this year already and hopefully it's third time lucky."

Matteo Manassero, the former amateur star making his professional debut on home soil, was inches away from a hole-in-one on the sixth but eventually had to settle for a round of 72. That left the 17-year-old on four under par, 13 shots off the lead.

England's Melissa Reid led on 4-under after the second round of the Turkish Airlines Ladies' Open in Antalya yesterday. Carly Booth fared best among the Scots contingent, but a 78 left her well off the pace at five over. Lynn Kenny was two shots further back on seven over and Vikki Laing on eight over. Fellow Scots Krystle Caithness (nine over) Kylie Walker and Clare Queen (both 12 over) and Pamela Feggans (14 over) all missed the cut.