Jamie Donaldson’s goal of playing in a first Ryder Cup remains alive despite losing the third round Czech Masters lead to countryman Bradley Dredge in Prague.

Donaldson is currently 8th overall on the European Team points table and a strong showing this week would cement his position in Paul McGinley’s Gleneagles team.

The double Tour winner began day three in grand style with an eagle the first to go three shots clear of his rivals but he failed to then capitalise with four birdies but also three bogeys and an eight hole double bogey in a one under par 71 to be sharing second place with Dane Soren Kjeldsen (68).

Dredge, who’s last victory was eight years ago high in the Swiss Alps in   played a bogey-free round of a six under par 66 that included four birdies from the 11th to 15th holes to end the day with a two shot lead on 12-under par.

Jamie Donaldson kick starts his third round with an eagle to go three clear of the field but then ends the day two behind. (Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie(

And Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher cannot be ruled out despite trailing four shots behind Dredge in signing for a 71 to be sharing fifth place on eight under par.

Gallacher lying 11th on the Ryder Cup points table and knows that he will need to win this week in Prague or likewise capture next week’s Italian Open if the Scot, who in fact lives closest to Gleneagles than any player, is to qualify automatically for the European team.

more to follow.