European Amateur: Jose Luis Ballester of Spain takes a two shot lead into final round

Jose Luis Ballester of Spain has opened a two-shot lead with just 18 holes to play in the 2023 European Amateur Championship in Estonia. Playing in the final group after rounds of 62 (-10) and 66 (-6), the Spaniard continued his excellent form from the get-go in the third round of the 72-hole event that is back on track after being plagued by weather delays. With a birdie on the first and a lip-out for eagle on the par-5 third, Ballester opened a gap to his playing partners, Tiger Christensen of Germany and James Ashfield of Wales. The Arizona State Sun Devil would only relinquish the lead for a few minutes to college teammate Michael Mjaaseth after the Norwegian opened his round with five birdies in the space of seven holes. A one-under-par back-nine wasn't enough for Mjaaseth to keep up with Ballester, who went two better on the inward nine thanks to birdies on Nos. 17 and 18. It should be a fun final day, as the two teammates will be paired together in the final group. Netherland's Jack Ingham was the only other player to reach the 20-under mark in Round three. The Dutch player signed for the day's lowest round from the top 10, a 7-under 65, to tie Mjaaseth. 12 players remain within just five shots of the lead. Daniel Rodrigues (POR), Tiger Christensen (GER), and Mads Laage (DEN) are the closest of the chasing pack. The three players will start the final round together, four shots behind Ballester.