Golf: Former British Open sensation in third-round lead at Trophee Hassan II

Paul Dunne's third-round lead could keep him on course for a first career title. PHOTO: AFP

RABAT (AFP) - Ireland's Paul Dunne, who famously led the British Open heading into the final round in 2015 before his challenge unravelled, carved out a two-shot advantage at the Trophee Hassan II on Saturday (April 15).

The 24-year-old was still an amateur when he stormed to a share of top spot on the leaderboard at St Andrews two years ago, rubbing shoulders with Jason Day and Louis Oosthuizen.

He eventually ended the tournament nine shots behind winner Zach Johnson but he showed glimpses of that form on Saturday with a third-round 69 at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam which kept him on course for a first career title.

Dunne led by just one shot going on to the 18th tee after carding five birdies and a double bogey in his opening 17 holes, before he rolled in from 20 feet to pick up another shot to get to eight-under par for the tournament.

Italy's Renato Paratore is in second place going into Sunday's final round after carding a course-record 66.

France's Gregory Havret, the overnight leader, slipped to four shots off the pace after a 75.

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