Intro:

English pair Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett tied for the lead of the European Masters after the third round at Crans-sur-Sierre on Saturday (25 July).

Script:

English pair Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett go into the final round of the European Masters neck and neck on 12 under par after a roller-coaster third day at Crans-sur-Sierre on Saturday.

Both former amateur stars - Willett was the top amateur in Europe while Fitzpatrick was world number one in the unpaid ranks - had fluctuating fortunes as the wind increased in the third round.

Nevertheless they are two shots ahead of Raphael Jacquelin.

Willett started the day with a one shot lead, but struggled on the front nine and had two bogeys and a double bogey in his first four holes, the latter coming when he hit his approach out of bounds on the fourth.

Two further bogeys after the turn were eradicated with a 30 foot eagle on the 15th, but a one over par 71 saw the 27-year-old leave the door ajar for the chasing pack.

It was former US Amateur Champion Fitzpatrick who took advantage, the 20-year-old coming home in 30 for a sparkling 64.

A 20 footer on the 13th was followed by gains from closer range on the 14th and 15th, before another effort from 20 feet at the 17th completed Fitzpatrick's scoring as he chases a maiden European Tour title.

Willett finished sixth at the Open Championship on Monday, his best Major finish, but revealed he had felt slightly unwell during his round.

France's Jacquelin took a shot more than Willett on the fourth as he carded a triple bogey seven, but eight birdies - including a 25 footer on the last - put the four-time European Tour winner firmly in contention on ten under par.

Defending champion David Lipsky lies fourth on nine under par.