Gary Hurley takes 54-hole lead at European Amateur

SENICA, Slovakia — Gary Hurley, an Irishman who tied for second place in last year's European Amateur, will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of this year's event. Hurley posted his second straight 65 at Penati Golf Resort in Senica, Slovakia to slide into the leadership role with one round to go. One of four first-round leaders, Marcus Kinhult of Sweden, sits a stroke back after posting 66 on Friday. The leaderboard is still as bunched up as its been all week, with golfers going low each day. Entering the final round, with Hurley leading at 18-under, 21 players are within six shots of the lead. Second-round leader, Jamie Bower of England, lost the lead on Friday with a one-under 71 but is still within four of Hurley. Defending champion Ashley Chesters is seven shots back in a tie for 23rd place, as his third-round 66 was enough to get him back inside the top-30.