Posted at 7:33 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007
Golf: Romero takes lead in European Tour event
Advertiser Staff
ALVESLOHE, Germany — Andres Romero shot a 9-under-par 63 today to take the third-round lead at the Deutsche Bank Players' Championship a week after his surprise third-place finish in the British Open at Carnoustie.The 26-year-old Argentine, who squandered a late lead at the Open, is at 17-under 199 after three rounds and moved two strokes ahead of Zane Scotland after a windless day at the Gut Kaden course. Lee Slattery is third, another stroke back.
Romero collected two eagles and five birdies and went bogey free as he pursued his first title on the European Tour. His aggressive play paid off and didn't backfire as it did at Carnoustie, where a double bogey and bogey on the last two holes cost him the title.
The Argentine said he would attack the course again Sunday.
"I try to birdie every single hole _ I'm going to go out and play as I did today," Romero said. "I'm playing very well to the green, and then on the green I'm playing even better and confidence helps on that one."
Alexander Noren, a 25-year-old Swede, was in fourth place at 203. European Ryder Cup player Paul Casey (68), defending champion Robert Karlsson (66) and American Brett Wetterich (67) were at 206.
Scotland, who had an outstanding amateur career, returned to golf just last year after injuring his neck in 2003 car accident.
The 25-year-old Englishman could earn a two-year tour exception if he wins, in addition to the $810,000 in prize money.
"It would be massive for me," Scotland said. "You can't ignore that on Sunday. You've just got to sort of face up to it and be, like, well, this is where I want to be."
