Hatton takes Dunhill Links lead, eyes third straight crown

England's Tyrrell Hatton fired a six-under 66 in the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Saturday to take a one-shot lead as he targets a third straight crown at the event.

Hatton went 14-under for the tournament and could become the first since Tiger Woods to win the same title three years in succession. The American achieved the feat between 2005 and 2007 when he won the WGC-Championship and the WGC-Invitational.

"I'm going to go out there tomorrow and give it my best. To join that club would be so special," Hatton said.

The 26-year-old leads Marcus Fraser after the Australian shot a 67 at Kingsbarns. Scot Stephen Gallacher and Hatton's Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood were tied third.

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Overnight leaders Lucas Bjerregaard and Andrea Pavan were tied fifth.

GOLF Marcus Fraser of Australia

Image credit: Reuters

After a birdie on the second hole, Hatton had eagles on the fifth and ninth to surge ahead. He then added three more birdies on the back nine to take the advantage ahead of the final round.

"It was nice to shoot a decent score. Front nine, although I was five under, felt difficult. It was cold this morning and I was struggling to warm up," Hatton said.

"I hit a few loose shots, got away with a couple, which was nice, and then holed a couple of putts. I could have scored better on the back nine but hit a few loose shots again.

"We are in a good position going into the final day and that's all we can ask for."

The organisers said Sunday's action will begin at 0830 local time with a shotgun start due to forecasted high winds.

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