French duo in contention ahead of Italian Open climax

Romain Langasque fired a course-record 62 at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club to sit one shot off the lead held by fellow Frenchman Julien Guerrier going into the final round of the Italian Open.

Langasque began the day seven shots off the pace but reeled off seven birdies over the first 15 holes to wipe out his deficit.

The best was yet to come as he produced one of the shots of the day at the par-four 16th, driving the green before tapping in his eagle putt to reach 11 under par.

He was eventually overtaken at the summit by Guerrier, who carded eight birdies and three bogeys in a third-round 66 to get to 12 under.

Ryder Cup hopeful Adrian Meronk was alongside Langasque in a tie for second after his Saturday 66.

The Irish trio of Gary Hurley, John Murphy and Tom McKibben were not involved in the third round having all missed the cut after Friday's second round.

LEADERBOARD

Langasque tapped in for an opening birdie after sending his approach at the first to around two feet.

The 27-year-old then kept his card clean with momentum-boosting par saves at the second and third before making back-to-back gains at the fifth and sixth.

He finished the front nine with another close-range birdie and picked up further shots on the 11th and 12th to climb to eight under.

An eight-foot birdie on the 15th earned Langasque a share of the lead on nine under before he drove the 16th green and slotted in his eagle putt to jump to 11 under.

He said: "I did not expect nine under, I didn't expect to shoot a very low score on this course because it's quite a tough course.

"I didn't expect that score and I am very happy about it.

"There are so many good guys out there so I think tomorrow's going to be a big battle."

Guerrier, who is aiming to win his