MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que stayed in the hunt for the crown despite falling behind by four after a three-under 68 as Swede Alexander Noren fired a 63 in the third round of the Omega European Masters at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans Montana, Switzerland Saturday.
The 30-year-old Que, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, produced four birdies against a bogey to remain in the title chase with a 202 in the $2.8 million event co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
That was four strokes behind Noren, who took charge with a 63 for a 198, two ahead of Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, who had a 65 for a 200, while Bradley Dredge of Wales shot a 68 for a 201.
Other 202 scorers were Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez (69) and Ross McGowan of England (68).
Thai star Thongchai Jaidee shot a 67 to end the day a stroke further back at 203 and the current Asian Order of Merit leader has not discounted his chances as well against the leader whom he defeated in Indonesia for one of his two titles earlier this year.
Que was rock solid with a front nine 33 but found trouble with a bogey on 16 after missing a seven-foot par-saving putt. He got the shot back immediately at the next hole.
“I’m very pleased. I started really well but all of the sudden, I wasn’t holing putts. I had a few close calls but all in all, I’m still happy playing in a big event and still in contention. Four shots back, anything can happen tomorrow. If I play like I did yesterday, maybe I can win,” said Que, the reigning Philippine Open champion.
He insists that the stunning par-71 course, which offers stunning views of the Alps, will offer low rounds which Noren took advantage of with a spectacular 63 to lead by two shots over Schwartzel.
“It’s not a big lead. A lot of the par 3s are tough here. If you make a mistake, you can drop shots. I was feeling calm. The first few holes, I was a bit nervous but after I made my two birdies, I sort of calmed down. If you stay patient, the birdies will just come,” said Noren.