Connor Syme sets up another chance of Wales win

Scot shares lead for second Sunday running at Celtic Manor

Connor Syme is joint leader going into the final round of the Wales Open. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Another Sunday in Wales. Another chance for Connor Syme to land his maiden European Tour win. The 25-year-old Fifer clearly has his eye in on the Ryder Cup Course at Celtic Manor, having been to the fore at the Newport venue since the circuit rolled into the Principality for two events on its new UK Swing.

After leading on his own heading into the final round of the Celtic Classic last weekend, Syme finished third behind Englishman Sam Horsfield. That was a “mild disappointment” for the Scot, but he’s back in the thick of things again, this time in the Wales Open.

After a birdie at the last for a third-round 70 and a seven-under-par total, Syme shares the lead with Swede Sebastian Soderberg, the duo sitting three shots clear of Finn Sami Valimaki in third. It’s another big chance for Syme to make the breakthrough at the top level, having already tasted success on the Challenge Tour.

“I’ll just try and do the same stuff I’ve been doing all week,” he said of finding himself in the same position as last week. “It’ll be the same game plan as last week and try to give myself a chance coming down the back nine. You don’t really know how many times you’ll get those opportunities, so it’s another one tomorrow. If it doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world, but hopefully I’m going to play well and give myself a chance. Some of the same ball-striking tomorrow and hopefully I have a chance.”

Soderberg, who won the European Masters just under a year ago, carded a bogey-free 68 to move into a share of the lead, with Valimaki moving into contention for a second success of the season with a 67.

Calum Hill birdied the last two holes for a 68 to sit in a tie for 11th on one-under alongside Craig Howie (69), with Liam Johnston dropping seven shots off the lead after a 75.