Belgium’s big-hitting Nicolas Colsaerts dropped his only shot of the round at the 17th but sounded an ominous warning to his rivals in brilliantly holing an 18-foot birdie at the 18th in a score of 67 for a 13-under par tally and three strokes clear ahead of the final round of the Amundi Open de France in Versailles.
Colsaerts, 36 is looking not only to end a seven-year winless run in capturing just a third Tour title but the former Ryder Cup star is lying 114th on the Race to -Dubai and only one place inside retaining full Tour membership.
A win on the famed Le National course would hand the affable Monaco-based golfer a very timely two-year Tour exemption.
Nicolas Colsaerts on his way to a three-shot leading cushion on day three of the Amundi Open de France. (Photo – European Tour/Getty)
He said: “I was very pleased with my round today. I wasn’t really looking at what the lead was or where I was on the board but then I kind of knew was, so I didn’t really have to play that much attention.
“I am a bit of a mission now and continue to do what I have been doing and not think more about winning this tournament.
“The thing is also this tournament now in October is not a busy with spectators as it is normally in June.
“The thing also is that I can hear French in the crowd so I am going to have to kind of play with ear plugs in but so far it’s been really good.
“But don’t get me wrong as it would be amazing to win this thing and, like I say, if I stay away from thinking that I think my chances will be a lot higher than if I see this thing right in front of me.”
South African George Coetzee, and with three Tour victories, was three-under for his round but then doubled the 12th ahead of closing pars in a score of 70 to be second at 10-under par.
