Golf: South African leads in Italy

South African Hennie Otto birdied the last three holes to snare a four-stroke lead after three rounds of the Italian Open yesterday.

Otto carded a nine-under 63 to end the round with a 22-under tally on the Castello di Tolcinasco course.

New Zealander Gareth Paddison was in a two-way tie for 70th on three-under 213. He struggled for a two-over 74 which included three birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey.