Kearney challenge fades as Crocker stays clear

Sean Crocker remained on course for a wire-to-wire victory at the Hero Open after chipping in for an eagle at the last to sit two shots clear with one round left.

The American also carded four birdies, one bogey and a double bogey in testing conditions at Fairmont St Andrews to sign for a third-round 69.

Halfway leader Crocker displayed excellent patience and nerve on a breezy day, recovering from a double bogey on the 13th with a remarkable eagle at the 18th to move to 18 under par.

The 25-year-old is aiming to secure his maiden DP World Tour title this week, having returned to form following a start to the season which saw him miss nine cuts in succession.

Niall Kearney's challenge faded during the third round as the Dubliner failed to follow on from Friday’s excellent 66, post a level-par 72.

Kearney posted five birdies throughout his round but handed back all five shots with three bogeys and a double bogey on the penultimate hole.

The Royal Dublin golfer goes into Sunday’s final round in a tie for 24th place.

David Carey also fell down the leaderboard with a disappointing 76 to sit in a share of 67th place ahead of Sunday’s fourth round.

"It's nice to have a bit of room but I also know those gaps can be closed very quickly," said Crocker.

"I’ve just got to play my own game tomorrow and see what we can do.

"It would probably be the most special day of my life (to win this week).

"I play golf for the love of it, for trophies and all that stuff. It’s been a long time since I’ve held something shiny so it would be a nice little present."

Jens Dantorp was Crocker’s nearest challenger on 16 under, with Scotland’s David Law and Spaniard Adrian Otaegui another stroke behind in a tie for third.

Welshman Oliver Farr and England’s Eddie