Crocker storms into share of lead with Paratore ahead of final day at European Masters

Sean Crocker stormed into contention ahead of the final day at the European Masters thanks to a brilliant six-under-par 64 on Saturday, giving him a share of the lead with Renato Paratore.

Overnight leaders Dean Burmester and Andy Sullivan slipped as both went over 70 for the first time this week, with the tricky weather at Crans-sur-Sierre undoubtedly playing a part in their rounds of 73, and Crocker emphatically took advantage.

The American followed up 65 on Friday with a 64 in his third round, both scores a massive improvement after beginning the tournament with a 71.

For the second day in a row Crocker began with a bogey on the first hole, but he instantly got back to par and added another three birdies before the turn.

Two more and an eagle would have had him on course with an outright lead were it not for a bogey at 16, though he was endearingly carefree afterwards as he chases a maiden European Tour win.

"It was one of those rounds where I didn't really know what was going on, it just kind of went that way," Crocker said.

"I bogeyed the first hole, got a bit aggressive and banged driver down two, had about 64 yards to the pin and had an easy birdie there. Kind of got the momentum going from there.

"It was kind of tough out there, wind swirling, I just had to play my own golf and stay away from the leaderboard.

"I'll just play my game, whatever happens [on Sunday], it's just one of those things. If I win, I don't, it doesn't matter to me, I just want to go and play some golf."

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Paratore will look to keep him on his toes after ending the day level with Crocker – though he certainly rode his luck on the 14th, somehow holing from a bunker for a birdie after previously getting himself into tree trouble off from the tee.

That birdie ultimately ensured the Italian was one under for the day, and while he recognised it was not his best day on the course, he had fun nonetheless.

"Today I enjoyed it a lot, I made a lot of good saves and the crowd was also amazing," Paratore said.

"I didn't play my best golf today, but in these tough conditions I managed to shoot one under, which for today was a really good score, normally maybe not that good."