Pieters two clear in Czech Republic

Thomas Pieters will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the D+D REAL Czech Masters as he looks to defend his title.

The 24-year-old carded a two-under-par 70 on Saturday to add to couple of rounds of 67 and sits on 12-under par with 18 holes to go at Albatross Golf Resort.

The Belgian ace has won twice on the European Tour to date, claiming the KLM Open just a couple of weeks after securing the 2015 Czech Masters, and he is in pole position for number three on Sunday.

Paul Petersen is his nearest challenger after the American equalled the course record with a 64 to sit two shots back, while England’s Robert Rock has put himself in the frame with a 65.

The 39-year-old is joint-third on -9 alongside Denmark’s Jeff Winther.

Englishman Graeme Storm is still in contention on -8 ahead of a group of a six players who reached -7 with just one round to go.

Ryder Cup hopeful Matthew Fitzpatrick of England is on that mark along with compatriot David Howell, but they might be too far off the pace to catch Pieters on Sunday.

Tagged Czech Masters, European Tour, Thomas Pieters