7 Nov 2010

Molinari still leads in Shanghai

1:35 pm on 7 November 2010

Francesco Molinari bagged a breathtaking eagle to maintain a one-shot lead over world golf number one Lee Westwood and leave the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai on a knife-edge heading into today's final round.

Molinari brought gasps from the gallery by holing out from 150 yards off the par-four 13th fairway before finishing the day at 14 under par after three rounds.

England's Luke Donald is in third place on 10 under, with countryman Ross Fisher and Scotland's Richie Ramsay tied for fourth on eight under, along with South African Ernie Els.

Westwood finished on 13 under despite missing an earlier birdie to draw level - and an aggressive drive across the water on 18 - as the 37-year-old tried to claw back his Ryder Cup team mate's slender advantage.

Westwood is on course to stay at the summit as closest rivals Woods, third-ranked Martin Kaymer and fourth-ranked Phil Mickelson failed to mount a significant challenge in China.

A victory for any of the chasing trio at the tough Sheshan course would see them leap frog Westwood into top spot in the rankings.