Padraig Harrington enjoyed a front row seat when Scotland’ Craig Lee went within two shots of becoming the first player to break 60 on the European Tour.

Lee produced an avalanche of birdies, including six in a row to commence his round and then three in a row from the eighth hole before settling for a 10-under par 61 on the Crans-sur-Sierre course at Crans Montana.

It left Lee with a two stroke leading cushion on 16-under par as the Scot seeks his first Tour success.

And while Harrington was disappointed to sign for a 72 that included losing a ball out-of-bounds on the 16th to fall back to six under par, he was full of praise for Lee.

“Craig played great and it was nice to see,” said Harrington.

“Richard (Sterne) and I were both wishing him well.

“But as for myself, I was disappointed not to get to 10-under as 10-under is not out it.  I was doing okay with three to play but doubling the 16th and then dropping a shot there at 17 didn’t help.

“Hopefully, there is a low one in the bag for tomorrow. There’s always tomorrow.”

There was two times during the round was seen being driven about in golf cart. The first was at the 11th when it ‘s believed it was due to a call of nature and then on the 16th where he took the double.

Harrington, who is competing in the event for a first time since 2000, will start the last day in a share of 17th place at six under par and 10 behind the Scot.

Padraig Harrington tucking into the profiteroles at Friday night’s tournament party. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)