Golf:Simon Thornton may have lost the opportunity to win his first European Tour title but the Qualifying School graduate is still well placed heading into the final round of the €700,000 Madeira Islands Open.
The county Down native carded a third round 71 to move to 11 under for the tournament at Portos Santo Golf Club, but overnight leader James Morrison surged further ahead of the field with an impressive six under 66.
The Englishman left the fireworks for the back nine after reaching the turn in level par. After an inward half of 29 yesterday, Morrison almost matched the feat with six birdies today to come home in just 30 strokes.
At 18 under 198, Morrison, competing for his first professional win, is three ahead of Scotland's George Murray, who shot 68, with England's Oliver Fisher (65) third on 12 under, one ahead of Thornton.
On paper Morrison has it all to lose and is in prime position to land the €116,660 winner's cheque and the one year exemption. Should Thornton retain his position he will be in line for a good payday as fourth place wins €35,000.
Thornton has kept his mobile phone nearby this week as his wife Ciara is expecting their first child anytime this weekend. The couple had earlier agreed that he would still travel to Madeira, regardless, as starting opportunities on the main tour are not readily available to him at present.
Of the six Irish players who started out in Madeira, Michael Hoey was the only other Irish player to make it into the weekend.
The Belfast professional signed for a 69 to move into a tie for eighth on three under.