Sweden's Peter Hedblom opened up a two-shot lead after the Dutch Open third round on Saturday when a six under 64 gave him the lowest 54-hole total on the European Tour season.

The 39-year-old Swede, who was joint overnight leader with defending champion Darren Clarke, had already carded two opening 66s.

Northern Ireland's Clarke, looking to become the first back-to-back champion in 30 years, hit a third round 67, but slipped to third place, one behind Dubliner Peter Lawrie.

Clarke and Hedblom both birdied the first before Hedblom sank a 15 footer for an eagle at the 570 yard second.

The Swede's only dropped shot came on the 11th, but Hedblom then stretched ahead with three more birdies in the next five holes.

Lawrie carded a 65 with three birdies in the first four holes and made a nine-foot putt for birdie on the last.

Joint fourth on ten under are England's Sam Little and Kenneth Ferrie, Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Australian Terry Pilkadaris, who was in Melbourne on Tuesday when he learnt there was a place for him in the event.

AFP

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