This Time I Really Otto Win It

May 11 2008 By Richard Duncan

SIZZLING South African Hennie Otto racked up 11 birdies in a brilliant 63 to scorch into the lead at the Italian Open.

Otto's 22-under 194 total is just a shot outside the European Tour's three-round record.

And it gives him a commanding four-stroke lead over Swedes Robert Karlsson (69), Christian Nilsson (64) and Spain's Alvaro Velasco (64) going into the final round.

But Otto is sure to have some doubts ahead of today's shootout after throwing away a five - shot advantage on the last day at Madeira earlier in the season.

The Castello di Tolcinasco is also offering up loads of birdie chances to his challengers. Otto's collapse at Madeira allowed Scot Alastair Forsyth to claim the glory.

But the South African believes he can keep his cool this time to claim his first European title.

Otto said: "This course gives you birdies and the fewer mistakes you make, you will be up there.

"Scoring is so hot you make a mistake and a lot of guys rush past you.

"I just didn't make any putts in Madeira but I hit it closer today and made a few. I was going home after this week but a top-10 here will get me into the Irish Open."

A win would make him exempt for two years and he said: "My biggest goal is to get my card back."

English pair Ross McGowan(64) and Philip Archer (65) are still prowling on 17 under while Marc Warren (72) heads the Scottish challenge.

However, three strokes lost with a six and a seven at 12 and 13 appear to have ended his slim title hopes and he finished on nine under.

Warren said: "I played pretty good but made a few poor decisions. It was bad course management and I've got to cut that out."

Scots-born Doug McGuigan - who earned a start in The Open in July with a third place in the African qualifying event with pal Otto - was feeling unwell but still fired a 70 for 10 under.

Durban-based McGuigan's family hail from Alloa but he switched his allegiance to South Africa years ago.

He said: "I hear I'm entered for The Open as a Scot but it's a mistake!"

Forsyth wasted a flying start yesterday to shoot 72 for 212. Two birdies in the first three holes edged him six under but he had two bogeys and a double bogey in the next five.

Forsyth said: "I played horrendous. It's a birdie-fest here but I'm doing everything wrong - left, right, fat, thin.

I've been terrible in every department of the game."

Forsyth plans to link up with Warren and hire the private jet used by Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood to get to Manchester from the Irish Open for Rangers' UEFA Cup Final this week.

But he said of his poor form: "It's not because I'm focused on the football - I'm a professional and I try on every shot."