Italy's Costantino Rocca was again demonstrating his mastery of windy conditions in the delayed North West of Ireland Open today.
Four-and-a-half hours play was lost today as winds gusting up to 40mph buffeted the Ballyliffin links on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
A scoreboard beside the 18th green had to be taken down as the gusts threatened to blow it over, and meant the leading groups did not begin their rounds until 5pm when the wind eased slightly.
Rocca, whose brilliant 71 in similar conditions on Thursday was applauded as a masterclass by playing partner Andrew Coltart, began with a one-shot lead over compatriot Massimo Florioli with Coltart a shot further back after his course-record 66 on Friday.
The 45-year-old former Ryder Cup star, who won the inaugural event in 1999 in Galway, then opened with four straight pars and that was enough to double his overnight lead as Florioli bogeyed the second.
Coltart had made an even worse start with three bogeys in his first five holes, leaving just four players under par of the 88 who had made the cut.
Swede Adam Mednick had moved into a share of second place on two under alongside Florioli, picking up birdies at the first and fourth.
Challenge Tour leader Lee James, whose three victories this season have secured his place on the main tour next year, was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury after playing just three holes of his third round.
The 29-year-old from Dorset had dropped shots at the first and third before calling it a day.