Ludvig Åberg will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after continuing his sensational form with a six-under 66 in the third round .
The 23-year-old Swede, who is bidding for back-to-back victories after winning the European Masters earlier this month to earn a Ryder Cup call-up, carded an eagle, five birdies and just one bogey to keep the chasing pack at bay as he finished on 16 under.
It is six years since Alex Noren became the first Rolex Series champion at Wentworth and Åberg is looking to become just the second Swede to win this historic event. Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood and Scotland’s Connor Syme his nearest challengers on 14 under, with Aaron Rai and Callum Shinkwin are at 13 under alongside Ryan Fox, who is one clear of Masters champion Jon Rahm.
Åberg, who only turned professional in June, started the day in a tie for the lead on 10 under with his compatriot Sebastian Soderberg, but took command at the par-five fourth when he made an eagle after knocking his second to around six feet as Soderberg fell out of contention with a triple-bogey. Birdies at seven, eight and 12 saw him open up a two-shot lead and he maintained that over the final six holes thanks to birdies at 15 and 18.
Ryder Cup team-mates Sepp Straka (69) and Tyrrell Hatton (68) both remain in the running on 11 under, while Viktor Hovland (67) will still hope to strike from 10 under, although defending champion Shane Lowry (67) may just be too far off the pace on nine under.
Åberg said: “I felt like I was striking the ball pretty well today, even though I had a few left misses with my driver, but ended up with some key saves here and there, and then with a few nice shots coming in. I think even if I wasn’t leading, I’d be looking forward to playing a Sunday round at Wentworth. It’s such an iconic place and I’m just fortunate to play good golf for the last three days and hopefully I’ll do the same tomorrow and play some good golf.
With heavy rain forecast for Sunday afternoon, the final round’s play will involve a two-tee start from holes one and nine at 8.20am and 10.20am respectively.