It is a virtual league of nations with nine different flags inside the top-10 heading to the final round of the Austrian Airlines Open.
Japan’s Kota Kaneko his cool to lead the lead the way at 15-under, a shot fewer than Portugual’s Ricardo Gouvei in second place at 14-under on the host Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith course.
Super talented 18-year old China’s Zanhan Chou, who brilliantly led the first day is determined not to go missing as Dutchman Joost Luiten lurks large in fourth place at 12-under as the 40-year-old seeks Tour win number seven.
Austrian hero and former champion Bernd Wiesberger posted a super 64 to be sharing fifth place at 11-under, just four back of the lead and the home crowd very much on his and Sepp Straka’s side.
Strake posted a third day 68 to be back at nine-under.
LEAGUE OF NATIONS ATOP #AustrianAlpineOpen …
With 9 different flags – & – inside the leading 10 heading to final round
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— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) May 30, 2026
Kaneko has been a picture of consistency in Kitzbühel after carding his third successive 65, with all three scorecards yielding six birdies and a dropped shot as well.
The 23-year-old shared the lead with Gouveia before holing his birdie putt at the par-three last to reach 15 under.
Kaneko said: “I’ve been putting really well and also my tee-shots have been great. I’ve given myself a lot of chances and I took advantage of those. I think I will be nervous tomorrow, but if I play my game I think I can do well and have a good result.”
Gouveira is contesting his 232nd DP World Tour event having captured seven secondary Hotel/Planner Tour titles but yet to break through on the main DP World Tour.
The 34-year-old began golf’s ‘moving day’ three shots off the lead but soon surged up the leaderboard thanks to birdies at each of his opening four holes. Gouveia added further gains at the ninth, 11th and 14th for a blemish-free 63 to share the lead before Kaneko’s birdie at the 54th hole.
“I can’t say much, it was really solid from the get go,” Gouveia said.
“Started off with four birdies, surprised by the putt on three, but that just kept me going. I was playing solid, a lot of wedge shots, holed some nice putts and just a phenomenal day.”
Overnight second day leader Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston struggled on day three posting a level par 70 but in also sharing fifth place at 11-under he cannot be ruled out over day four.
Austrian Alpine Open – Third Round Leaderboard + Sunday tee times
Image – DPWT
