Smith in six-way tie for the lead after third round of European Open

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Jordan Smith and Alexander Björk were among golfers in a six-way tie for the lead heading toward the final round of the European Open.

Smith, the champion in 2017, recorded a 1-under 72 to move to 6 under for the tournament on Saturday along with Björk (69), Tom McKibbin (72), David Law (72), John Axelsen (69), and Julien Guerrier (67).

Smith started the day a shot off the lead but bogeyed the first hole at Green Eagle and was 2 over for the day at one stage before birdies on the 13th, 14th and 16th holes.

“I’m going to go hit a few balls, figure some stuff out and hit a few putts. I’m finding it really difficult to read these greens,” Smith said.

“I’m happy with how I hung in there and kept things going, made a few birdies coming in, which was nice.”

Björk's sole European tour title was at the 2018 China Open, and said it “would mean a lot” to win again.

The 20-year-old McKibbin, a Northern Irish player in his first season on the tour, is aiming to become the youngest winner this year.

Guerrier had the best round on Saturday, his 67 giving him a chance at his first tour win.

Marcel Siem is one shot off the leading pack, hoping to be the first German to win on home soil in 15 years. Fellow German Maximilian Kieffer was leading after the second round but dropped back to 4 under after a 2-over 75 on Saturday.

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