Romero primed to set new standards

Argentina's Eduardo Romero is on course to become the oldest ever winner on the European Tour in the Omega European Masters.

Argentina's Eduardo Romero is on course to become the oldest ever winner on the European Tour in the Omega European Masters.

Romero takes a two-shot lead over Ernie Els into the last day in Switzerland after a third round 67, with defending champion Robert Karlsson another shot back.

Ireland's Des Smyth was 48 years and 34 days old when he won the Madeira Island Open in 2001. Romero would be 49 years and 52 days old if he repeated his victory from three years ago tomorrow, a difference of one year and 18 days.

"I'm not 49 in my mind," said Romero, who finished fifth on the Order of Merit last year and credits his recent success to daily yoga sessions.

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"In my mind I am very strong and hit the ball unbelievably, 10 or 15 yards more than last year.

"I know I am in for a tough day tomorrow. I have played with Ernie Els many times before and he is one of the best players in the world. But so am I!"

On arriving in Crans-sur-Sierre Romero was disappointed to discover the local restaurant in which he ate every night on his way to victory in 2000 has changed hands and will not reopen until December.

But the photographs of the hugely popular Argentinian still adorn the windows and could have a new addition for the grand reopening if he can secure his ninth European Tour title.

Els is chasing his sixth victory of the season and is hoping for some more favourable pin positions on the final day after a round of 68 which truly befits the word rollercoaster.

The world number two played flawless golf to accumulate five birdies in an outward half of 31, but after a par on the 10th bogeyed the next four holes in a row.

A birdie on the 15th stopped the rot but was followed by another bogey before a grandstand finish with an approach to within inches of the flag on the 17th and a closing birdie from 10ft.

In all the 33-year-old had just five pars and said: "For a while I thought I was going to go really low and then for a while I thought I wasn't going to break par.

"The flags were really tough and it made us think. These greens are unique and it's tough to get shots close.

"But I am smiling now, you just have to take what you can get on this course. I saw some of the places for the pins tomorrow and they look more accessible."

The Irish duo of Phillip Walton and Ronan Rafferty are a long way off the pace on one over and level par respectively.