A week after winning in Spain for a first time and Pablo Larrazabal is determined to join his golfing heroes with a first Spanish Open triumph.

Larrazabal recorded a three under par third round 69 to finish on four under par and just one stroke behind England’s Simon Dyson in the rain-affected event in Seville.

Larrazabal is also looking to win his national Open for a first occasion and a just a week after capturing an ALPS Tour event in his home city of Barcelona.

Pablo Larrazabal mobbed by young fans after his third round. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

It was Larrazabal’s first success in Spain.

Twelve months ago, Larrazabal carried the weight of his country into the final round of the Spanish Open and just two days after Seve Ballesteros had passed away but ending in third place.

“I played great today with three birdies in a row around the turn and just trying to stay patient, and even with a bogey at the last it is a great round,” he said.

“This is a special tournament for me as it is the Spanish Open.    Seve won it a lot of times, Sergio (Garcia) has won it and Alvaro Quiros won it here in Seville two years ago.

“So many of my heroes have won the Spanish Open and not because it is the Spanish Open but who have won it before.

“And unlike most tournaments that are a putting contest on the greens, this is a tournament where from tee-to-green you have to play well and then on the greens putt well.

”But tomorrow will be tomorrow and I have put myself in position to win and no matter what is my score tomorrow it will be fun.”

And despite criticism of the toughness of the Seville course set-up Larrazabal is enjoying the challenge.

“I like challenging golf courses and I don’t like tournaments where the winning scores are 20 or 25-under par,” he said.

“I like to fight for the scores and I like it when the conditions are tough like this and you have to managed yourself well to make pars.

“So I like the set-up of this week and I hope the wind keeps blowing again tomorrow.”