BBC SPORT | Golf | Harrington closes in

Padraig Harrington shot a 64 on Saturday to move to joint second in the TNT Dutch Open.

The Irish golfer is on 13 under par alongside England's Mark Roe, three shots behind leader Tobias Dier of Germany.

The German, who opened up with a stunning 60 in the first round, carded his second consecutive 67 to maintain his overnight advantage.

Harrington, who has finished in the top eight in all three Majors this season, was in self-critical mood after his round at Hilversum.

Mark Roe agonises over an approach
Mark Roe is three shots off the lead

"I did not play great but I'm being very hard on myself and that's the problem," the Dubliner said.

"The score is good and I putted well but it's no fun out there and I'm being a little critical.

"I have to try to take it a little easier, not be so hard on myself, because there is no use beating yourself up out there."

Dier saw his lead shrink to a single shot at one stage as he carded his first bogeys of the week on the fourth, 10th and 16th.

However, four birdies and a closing eagle kept him in pole position to claim his second European Tour title.

"I felt like I left a few shots out there, but I'm pleased with the way I'm playing," said the 25-year-old biochemistry graduate, who is aiming to succeed compatriot Bernhard Langer as champion.

Ryder boost

"There is a German tradition of winning this title with Bernhard and Sven Struver and we will see tomorrow if I am the next."

Sweden's Pierre Fulke eased fears about his form ahead of the Ryder Cup as he shot his second 65 in a row to move within four shots of the lead.

Scot Raymond Russell carded a joint best-of-the-day 64 to finish 11 under alongside Jamie Spence, while Nick Faldo is seven under after finishing birdie-birdie-eagle for a 67.

Lee Westwood's miserable run continued and he needed to birdie the last two holes just to card a two-over 72.

He is on three under for the tournament alongside maverick American John Daly.

Third-round leaderboard (GB&Ire unless stated):

16 under - Tobias Dier (Ger)
13 under - Padraig Harrington, Mark Roe
12 under - Pierre Fulke (Swe), Peter Lonard (Aus)
11 under - Raymond Russell, Jamie Spence

Selected others:
9 under - Justin Rose
7 under - Nick Faldo
3 under - John Daly (US), Lee Westwood
1 under - Bernhard Langer (Ger)


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