Graeme McDowell slips back at Corales Puntacana Championship

Graeme McDowell has slipped back to seven shots off the lead ahead of Sunday's final round at the Corales Puntacana Championship.

The 2010 US Open champion is a former winner of the event in the Dominican Republic, triumphing in 2019.

Saturday though saw the Antrim native card a third-round 73, having previously managed consecutive 68s on the opening two days as he dropped back from the leaders.

Ben Martin shot two-under 70 to maintain a two-shot lead, with Chad Ramey in second place after carding a 69, while Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas is in third after shooting a seven-under 65 for the best round of the day at Corales Golf Course. Vegas is three shots back.

LEADERBOARD

Martin carded back-to-back 66s before his five birdies and three bogeys in the third round and enters Sunday's final round at 14-under. He is shooting for his second career PGA Tour victory and first since 2014.

"I'm going to keep doing what I've been trying to do all week, which is just enjoy being out there, not try too hard and sort of see what happens at the end," said Martin, 34.

"But this is really the reason I think I enjoy playing professional golf, like being around the lead on the weekend with a chance to win.

"You have a little nerves, but I think that's why we all like to test ourselves and see where we are, so it will be a fun day tomorrow."

Ramey had an eagle on the par-5, 14th hole, four birdies and three bogeys. One of the bogeys came on the 18th hole, preventing him from moving within one shot of Martin.

Ramey, 29, is looking for his first career victory. After a 70 in the first round, he responded with a 65 to move into contention.

"I don't hit it the longest out here, but I usually keep it out in front of me," Ramey said. "Hit a lot of fairways,