England’s Robert Rock has been on the European Tour for more than nine years.

In that time he’s played 208 tournaments but without the sweet taste of success.

Now after three rounds of the BMW Italian Open in Turin, Rock is again in position for a first Race to Dubai success. 

Robert Rock heads to the Scorer's Hut delighted to be leading by two.

The 34-year old Rock will take a two shot lead into the final round after carding a third day 68 and move to 16-under par in the rain-affected event on the Royal Park course.

Rock has been second three times including losing a dramatic play-off to then amateur Shane Lowry at the 2009 Irish Open in Baltray.

Rock received a Euro 1/2m first prize cheque for finishing runner-up but it was letting slip the victory on the recent East of Ireland Championship venue that left a deep scar.

Certainly if Rock should step forward tomorrow afternoon to be presented with the trophy, he’s sure to receive a handshake from Lowry when the pair meet up at next week’s U.S. Open in Congressional.

Robert Rock comfortable being in the lead in Turin.

“It’s about time I did win as I’ve been nine years out here now,” said Rock

Six players – Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal (65), local Turin hero Francesco Molinari (68), South African Jbe Kruger (67), Dutchman Joost Luiten (69) and the England duo of Gary Boyd (68) and Lee Slattery (65) – share second place on 14-under par.

A further four are in eighth place on 13-under par.

In all, there are 14 players within four shots of the lead including new Italian golfing heart throb, Matteo Manassero who carded a 70 to be at 12-under par.

But while Rock strives to emerge victorious, the majority of Italian interest will focus on Molinari.

Robert Rock the main of the moment in Turin

At No. 20, he’s the highest world-ranked player competing in Italy and the Royal Park course is where Molinari honed his golfing skills.