25 May 2014

Bjorn opens five-shot lead at European PGA

8:13 am on 25 May 2014

The Danish golfer Thomas Bjorn scorched down the back nine to earn a five-shot lead following the third round of the British PGA Championship in Wentworth, England.

The 43-year-old Dane fired a 67, including seven birdies in the final eight holes and coming home in an incredible 30.

Bjorn, who produced a storming course record 62 on Friday, suffered a double bogey at the first and then another dropped shot soon after.

But after falling back to seven under he turned in a stunning burst of birdies between 11 and 16 to set another record for consecutive birdies.

Now, not many would bet against Bjorn picking up his 16th European Tour title.

Ireland's Shane Lowry, who carded a disappointing 73, led at the start thanks to Bjorn's poor opening but he finished on eight under with England's Luke Donald, a two-time winner of this tournament, one stroke ahead of him.

Donald fired a fine 68 to be 10 under and the nearest challenger, and join Bjorn in the final group tomorrow.

He birdied the final two holes while Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is a shot further back after a 69.

Italy's Franceso Molinari hit the lowest round of the day with a 65 but he's still nine shots adrift of the leader.