Sick Charl Beats Pain In Spain

Oct 12 2008

CHARL SCHWARTZEL overcame illness and the strong challenge of Ricardo Gonzalez to post a five-under 66 and take a one-shot lead in to the final day at the Madrid Masters.

The 24-year-old considered pulling out of the event due to illness and a shoulder injury but despite still not feeling 100 per cent he hit birdies at four, five, eight and an eagle at seven.

The South African's form left Marcus Fraser, with whom he shared an overnight lead, and Robert Rock in his wake.

But five groups ahead Gonzalez fired six birdies and an eagle on the back nine for a nine-under 62 that took him to 13 under overall.

Schwartzel dropped shots at nine and 12 but birdied the par-five 14th and par-four 18th to stay one clear.

Spain's Pablo Larrazabal equalled Gonzalez's score with six birdies on the back nine to move to third on 11 under. Three players - Englishman Paul Waring, Andrew Tampion and Carlos Del Moral - are 10 under.

Schwartzel said: "I didn't feel too strong this morning but I ground it out nicely today.

"I felt weak and slept badly last night but I felt better and better as the day progressed.

"Thankfully my shoulder is fine now after the physio treated it last night but I still felt ill and got some medication from the doctor.

"I will try to do the same as the last three days and stick to my game plan. I'm hitting the ball well and confident in my swing.

"I have a decent chance."

Gonzalez, 38, was still struggling to take in his whirlwind back nine which put him in strong contention.

He said: "I was one under after nine and thought to myself 'I need a few more birdies' - but to shoot nine under is unbelievable.

"The key was my drive on 10. From there on I felt more confident.

"Spain is like a second home and I feel really good here."