Willett closes in on maiden European Tour title

COLOGNE, Germany (AFP) –

Danny Willett, pictured in 2010, carded a three under par 69 to reach 12 under par and a one-shot lead after three rounds of the BMW International Open on Saturday as the Englishman targets a first tour win.

Danny Willett carded a three under par 69 to reach 12 under par and a one-shot lead after three rounds of the BMW International Open on Saturday as the Englishman targets a first tour win.

The 24-year-old leads compatriot Chris Wood and halfway leader Joel Sjoholm of Sweden, with South African Keith Horne and Australian Marcus Fraser on 10 under.

“I got the ball under pretty good control most of the day,” said Willett.

“The wind was whipping around a bit but I drove the ball great which makes it a lot easier around this golf course.”

Former Walker Cup player Willett, who has 19 top 10 finishes, carded six birdies with three bogeys.

“If you want to be in contention, you have to have things go your way a little bit. It’s good to be back in a position where I feel like I should be,” added Willett.

“Tomorrow is just a case of making sure you go through everything properly, make sure you get the right numbers in your hand and you have the right feeling for the shot and see what you can do.”