Germany’s Marcel Siem maintained his dominance of Trophée Hassan II to be leading by four shots with just a round to play and a invitation to next fornight’s Masters.
Siem shot a third round 69 to move to 15-under par on the King’s own Golf du Palais Royal in Agadir.
The reigning French Open champion will earn a first invitation to Augusta National by collecting a third Race to Dubai success that would move him from his current World ranking of 72nd and into the top-50.
Germany’s Marcel Siem has been like a fortress all week in Morocco leading for all three rounds. (Photo – Phil Inglis/www.golffile.ie)
Siem is clear Englishman David Horsey (70), Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal (69) and the Finn Miko Ilonen (70) who are tied in second place on 11-under par.
With his three closest challengers all closing the gap during round three, Siem made a crucial run of four birdies between the seventh and 12th holes.
“That was important because the pressure was on, especially from Mika at the beginning,” said Siem.
“He made the start that I was hoping for and then Pablo and David were coming at me as well. There was pressure there so it was great to make a few putts and pick up four in six holes.
“It is very nice to have the gap back for the start of the final round tomorrow. I am pretty confident at the moment so I know the swing is there when I trust it and just let it go. That will be very important tomorrow.”
Siem is playing with the same level of confidence he displayed en route to the victory in the French Open last year, and he credits that victory for restoring his self-belief.
“It helped me a lot to realise that I could win again and it gave me a lot of belief,” he confirmed.
“To do what I did there, in such a big tournament and on a golf course like Le Golf National with such a tough finish was really important. Hopefully can get me through tomorrow.”
