Otto out in front at Italian Open

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD (GB & Ire unless stated)
-22 H Otto (SA) -18 R Karlsson (Swe), A Velasco (Sp), C Nilsson (Swe)
-17 P Archer, R McGowan -16 O Wilson, G Havret (Fr)

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Otto now has an opportunity to win his first European Tour title

South Africa's Hennie Otto seized control of the Italian Open in Milan with a superb 63 in the third round.

He began with four birdies in the first five holes and added seven more for a 22-under-par total of 194, which left him four shots clear of the field.

Robert Karlsson followed his course record 61 with a three-under 69 to lie joint second with Alvaro Velasco and Christian Nilsson, who both shot 64.

Phillip Archer (64) and Ross McGowan head the British challenge on 17-under.

But they might find it difficult to close the gap on Otto, who will be doubly determined after squandering a five-stroke lead on the final day in Madeira earlier this season.

He finished his round with three successive birdies, the last from 25 feet, as he came home in 30 and said: "I played very well today, very well indeed. I put the ball close to the pins with my irons today and gave myself a lot of chances.

"I made a few more putts than earlier in the week, which is probably why I am where I am."

Otto, who does not currently have a European tour card, insisted he would not allow his experience in Madeira to affect his performance in the final round.

"I'll just plan to take tomorrow as another day and I won't think about back then. Whoever plays the best golf will win the tournament, it is as simple as that. I'll just try and play the same way as I did today."