Casey climbs to top in Crans-Montana

Paul Casey stormed to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday at Crans-Montana, firing a stunning 63 to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Omega European Masters.

The Englishman began the day four shots off the pace but produced one of the rounds of the week to reach 16 under par and put himself in prime position to claim a 16th DP World Tour title.

After opening with two pars, Casey found another gear at the par-three third. A birdie there sparked a remarkable run of six birdies in seven holes, allowing the 49-year-old to make the turn in just 29 strokes and build a significant advantage.

Casey handled the changing conditions well on the back nine. His only blemish came at the par-five 14th, where his second shot found the water, but he immediately responded with a birdie at the next hole. Another gain at the 18th saw him finish with a three-shot cushion at 16 under.

“It was a wonderful day,” said Casey. “I love this place, I really do, so it’s a wonderful day.”

The Englishman, who now lives in Switzerland, has extra motivation this week. Should he claim the title on Sunday, he intends to donate his entire prize money to Fondation Beloved, supporting those directly impacted by the New Year’s Day tragedy in Crans-Montana.

“This is now home. I now live in Switzerland, so it would have made an awful lot. It feels like it feels like a home week for me. And tomorrow, whatever happens, I hope I win and I’ll be playing really hard, but I’ll make sure that all my prize money as well is going to the charity and the victims of the fire here in Crans-Montana, so I’ve got a lot to play for tomorrow.”

Behind Casey, four players share second place on 13 under par.

Austria’s Maximilian Steinlechner produced a bogey-free 63, making seven birdies to move into contention for a maiden title on golf’s Global Tour. Erik van Rooyen matched that score, overcoming two bogeys with nine birdies.

Steinlechner was delighted with his performance after finally seeing some putts drop.

“Scoring was really good. I feel like ball-striking was very similar to the first two days, I just made some putts, and got everything up and down. I was very happy with what I did today and looking forward to it tomorrow.”

Spanish pair Eugenio Chacarra and Nacho Elvira also remain firmly in the hunt after rounds of 65 and 68 respectively.

Chacarra, meanwhile, described his Saturday as his best ball-striking performance of the season.

“I think it was probably the best ball striking round all year. It was impressive.”

The Spaniard, who has been searching for greater consistency on the greens, was encouraged by the improvement in his putting and believes he has given himself a genuine chance heading into Sunday.

“I just want to play the win, you know? I love winning. I love being in contention, and having a chance on Sunday, on the last couple holes, that’s what we work for.”

Angel Ayora is another Spaniard in contention, sitting alone in sixth at 12 under after a 66. Francesco Laporta, Todd Clements and Keita Nakajima are one shot further back at 11 under.

On home soil, Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach will also have plenty to play for on Sunday. A 68 leaves him in a share of 10th place at 10 under par.

“It would be incredible (to win). I think that’s the goal as well. So, it’s still a lot to play for, and we go for it.”