O’Hanlon shares Triumph lead with Bebb

Richard O’Hanlon is making a strong bid to win the Total Triumph Classic for the first time nine years after losing in a play-off to Chris Gill in the inaugural event at Oake Manor.

The experienced St Kew professional shares the 18-hole lead with former European Tour player Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) who is enjoying a successful season.

On a windy day with spasmodic showers several players were blown off course. But O’Hanlon, runner-up in last year’s national par three championship at Nailcote Hall, eagled the par five 17^th following three birdies and two bogeys to sign for four-under-par 66.

He enjoys the Somerset course where he invariably makes his mark. He has been runner-up twice, third three times and fourth once.

Welshman Bebb’s customary steady round contained birdies at the second, third, 11^th, 15^th and 17th and one dropped shot at the fourth.

Adam Curtis, the former Cornwall county amateur from Bude and North Cornwall now in his second year of training, was the day’s surprise package. He finished fourth in this year’s Titleist and Footjoy Sprint Assistants League.

He started with a bogey but made five birdies at the sixth, eighth, 11^th, 15^th and 17^th with another bogey at the 12^th claiming third on 67.

Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge), who is seeking his third successive Total Triumph win, remains firmly in contention in joint fourth after five birdies. He is two shots off the lead.

So are former European Seniors Tour winner George Ryall (Burnham and Berrow), former PGA champion Scott Drummond, who won at Celtic Manor earlier in the week, and the ambitious Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) who has won twice this season.

Lydia Hall (Hensol Golf Academy), winner of last year’s Welsh National championship, Tom Hanson (Tiverton), Ian Brown (Newent) and Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) are also under par.

Former winner Jon Bevan (Sherborne) was one of six players on level par just four shots behind the leaders for today’s final round.